Long before I picked up a camera, my heart was set on a helping career. In elementary school, when family members were ill, I provided them a glass of water and a bell to call me if they needed anything. Truly this meant that I should be a nurse. I pursued that purpose through some of the most miserable years of my life because I’m just stubborn enough to finish that which I set out to accomplish. Decades later, I still dabble in some p.r.n. work for an orthopedic and spine surgeon, but my desire to help others has expanded to the photography arena. This blog contains a mix of my experiences, from nursing to homeschooling to photography, and since February is American Heart Month, we are going to focus on that arena.
We are venturing beyond the basics. Let’s look at what you’re consuming diet-wise AND through your eye and ear gates. The fundamental keys to a healthy, happy heart are not limited to a well-balanced diet and exercise. You can hydrate with loads of alkaline water, eat the rainbow of fruits and vegetables, take organic vitamins and supplements, do cardio and strength training multiple times a week and still be missing out on optimal heart health. Why? Because it goes beyond the physical.
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What are you consuming through your eyes and ears on a regular basis? The heart is at our core. It is not just an organ that pumps blood throughout our body. It involves our mind, emotion, and will. Toxic ingestion leads to toxic buildup and overflow. Be intentional about what you allow in. Guard your heart.
One of the best ways to keep our heart and mind in check is through journaling. Allow yourself the space to “get it all out.” If you want to level up your journaling, include gratitude in the process. The brain is wired in such a way that gratitude and anxiety cannot co-exist. It can only process one of them at a time, so get in the habit of expressing an attitude of gratitude, and notice how anxious feelings are less prominent.
If you struggle with motivation to exercise, you are not alone. Figure out what gets you up and at it. This year I set a goal to get outside and walk for 30 minutes of fresh air and activity every day. My goal was to prove to myself that I could stay consistent with something. I’m not setting pace or distance records. I’m simply getting outside and moving. Walking outdoors is refreshing and invigorating both physically and mentally. Not only does it help strengthen your heart muscle, but it also promotes blood flow to the brain and improves cognitive abilities. My favorite walks are those with friends, where we can walk and talk. It’s like a workout and therapy session all in one.
This month while you’re focusing on heart health, don’t neglect the action steps that go beyond the basics. Ingest positive and block negative. Grab a notebook and a pen and start journaling. Plan some walks with a friend. Find out for yourself how enjoyable life can be when you expand your limits.