Somehow society has come to think of self-care and me time as an indulgent luxury. This couldn’t be any further from the truth.

When many of us think of health care we associate the term with going to the doctor. While heading to see your GP or a specialist for a specific concern is of course health care, and it is wise to visit for checkups, doctoring is not even close to the only thing needed in order to really fully take care of yourself.

Self-care should be a daily objective. Being kind to yourself and your body is not over-the-top self-indulgence. It is how you should live your life day to day. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Sadly, for most, they often put themselves last, taking care of everyone and everything around them.

Many of us treat others better than we treat ourselves and yet see it as normal. We need to stop normalizing stress and overexertion because it is leading too many people down the path to high blood pressure, heart disease, and heart attack.

Learn to Listen to Your Body

When you are thirsty – drink, when you are tired – rest, when you are hungry – eat something to nourish the body.

Get More Movement

Our bodies were not designed to sit still 40 hours a week so, especially if you have an office job, get up – stretch, and take a lap or two around the building. Research suggests that movement for just three minutes each hour can help keep blood glucose levels under control.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Figuring out what you will eat ahead of time can keep you from diving into unhealthy snacks. Plan your meals for the week. Choose whole foods – meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and things that are not processed, chemical-laden, or full of sugar.

Focus on Breathing

Slow it down. Take deep slow breaths. Oxygen is needed by the entire body, every cell benefits from nice deep breaths. It helps relax both body and mind.

Get Enough Sleep

If you have sleep issues, try and set a schedule so that you go to bed and wake up at the same times daily. This can help to regulate your circadian rhythm and set your internal clock. Sleep is the biggest time for bodily cellular repair.

Do Things You Enjoy

Spending your time running the kids around or looking after your spouse is very noble but it won’t add to your health or happiness level. Make sure you work yourself into the schedule too. Set aside time to do what you love.

All of this adds up to a more conducive environment for a healthy heart to remain so.

If you are in need of a cardiologist in Tampa, Florida please contact us at the Tampa Cardiovascular Associates office. www.tampacardio.com. Give us a call to schedule your appointment 813-975-2800.