When it comes to heart health, we often focus on the importance of healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, exercise, and diet to help keep our hearts strong. But did you know that social relationships and connections also play a powerful role in keeping your heart beating strong?
Whether it’s intimate relationships, friendships, or social engagements, healthy connections with others improve heart health and longevity. Studies show that people with richer social connections generally live longer and recover more quickly from heart attacks and other health setbacks. Below are some fun heart-healthy activities you can do with your partner, friends, family, or with your team at work.
- Go on a leisurely walk together. Talk with your partner, friends, or family while walking on a trail together, or take your meeting with a college as a walking meeting. You can chat on the move, and the options are endless.
- Bond over learning something new. Has your partner or friend always wanted to try yoga or kickboxing? Sign the two of you up for a class together.
- Put your dancing shoes on. Go out for a night of dancing. Or just turn on your favorite music and break out your best moves in the living room.
- Bring out your inner child. Be playful and have fun! Play miniature golf, go bowling, toss a frisbee, or take a bike ride together.
References:
https://www.trihealth.com/blogs/heart/connecting-with-others-and-your-hearts-health
https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/affect-health.htm
