Tag Archive for: selfcare

How Loving Yourself Leads to Better Health

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Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, but it’s also a great reminder to show your heart some love—literally! Your heart is at the center of your health, and taking care of it benefits you and the people you love most. This February, let’s focus on how love, health, and self-care go hand in hand.

The Science of Love and Health

Did you know that feeling loved and connected can improve your physical health? Research has shown that people in supportive relationships often have lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and even a decreased risk of heart disease. Acts of love—whether it’s a heartfelt conversation, a hug, or a thoughtful gesture—can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and promotes heart health.

But love isn’t just about relationships with others. Self-love and caring for your own health are equally important. Making time for regular check-ups, eating heart-healthy foods, and staying active are acts of love toward yourself that pay off for a lifetime.

Tips for a Healthy and Loving Life

  1. Share a Healthy Meal: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-healthy foods like salmon, leafy greens, and dark chocolate (in moderation!).
  2. Get Moving Together: Take a walk, dance, or do an activity you both enjoy—it’s good for your heart and a great way to bond.
  3. Set Healthy Boundaries: Protect your emotional and physical well-being by setting boundaries in your personal and work life. Saying “no” when needed and prioritizing time for self-care can reduce stress and improve your overall health.
  4. Show Gratitude: Expressing appreciation can improve your emotional well-being and strengthen your relationships.
  5. Practice Self-Care: Whether it’s quiet meditation, reading, or relaxing in nature, find moments that nurture your soul.

Take Action for Your Heart

This Valentine’s Day, make a commitment to prioritize your health. Your NOAH provider is here to support you in every stage of your wellness journey. Whether you need a heart health check-up, nutrition advice, or mental health support, we’re here to help you take care of your whole self. Schedule an appointment today and show your heart some love—you deserve it!

Six Anxiety and Panic Coping Skills

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For many, coping with change is hard enough, let alone the emotions many may face such as fear and anxiety due to changes in daily routines. Added stress from job loss and inability to cover expenses, illness, or loss of a loved, may cause anxiety and panic. Learn these six tips to help you cope with these emotions.

Breathing slowly and deeply. Anxiety can cause you to breathe very quickly, which makes both the mental and physical symptoms of a panic attack or generalized anxiety even worse. When you start to feel panicky, be sure to take slow, deep breaths to soothe your mind and body. Be sure to breathe using “belly breathing” also known as diaphragmatic breathing.

Stop and think. When your thoughts start spinning out of control, tell yourself to stop. Organize your thoughts and decide what you need to do to get yourself calm again. This is a way to interrupt thoughts and refocus.

Think positively. Push negative thoughts out of your mind, and remind yourself that you are in control. Think about times when you’ve been able to manage situations successfully and reduce anxiety. Stay in the present moment.

Take a break. If you need to leave a situation, do so or tell someone you need to leave. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Allowing yourself to become more upset will not help if what you really need is to take a walk and blow off some steam. Allow yourself to have space as needed.

Relax your muscles. Anxiety causes your entire body to tense up, so make a conscious effort to relax each muscle from your toes all the way up to your neck and face. This will alleviate tension.

Get physical. Exercise can combat stress and anxiety. It can also improve your overall health and immune system. Even a brisk walk can help.

Tips to remember:

  • Deep breaths.
  • Self-care.
  • Adequate sleep.
  • Exercise.
  • Talk to yourself.
  • Acknowledge your feeling.
  • Mindfulness.
  • Lavender hot baths.
  • Cut back on caffeine/nicotine/alcohol.
  • Stay present.
  • Good nutrition.
  • Muscle relaxation.
  • Slow down.
  • Picture your ‘safe place.’
  • HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, tired).
  • Close your eyes

Reduce Your Risk – Self Care Behaviors

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Having diabetes can put you at higher risk for other health related problems such as kidney damage, nerve damage and vision loss. Take steps now to lower your chance of diabetes-related complications. Read more