As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged back in 2020, people have now adapted to a sedentary lifestyle where they work conveniently at their homes. This is more common in people working in a corporate environment and even in an academic setting. People often spend prolonged periods of time sitting at their desks and/or in front of their computers which leads to less physical activity. When individuals engage in minimal to no physical activity, the risk of developing cardiovascular problems increases. Incorporating exercise into your daily activities creates a habit of maintaining a healthy heart.

Daily Movement

Daily movement exercises include walking, jogging, cycling, and even dancing helps increase a person’s heart rate which then leads to improvement of cardiovascular endurance. These activities are incorporated into daily activities which contributes to overall heart health. Simple daily movement tasks help reduce cardiovascular diseases, manage weight, and regulate blood pressure. This is a proactive way of improving the heart.

Low-Impact Exercises

Low-impact exercises are good especially for the elderly and patients recovering from injuries and trauma. These exercises are good for the abovementioned group of people since they do not strain nor stress the body excessively especially on the joints. Low-impact exercises provide a safer alternative for high-impact activities such as running and jumping. Continuous and rhythmic movements are common and help elevate the heart rate and increase endurance.

A prime example of a low-impact exercise is walking. It is rhythmic, continuous, and easy to do. Swimming makes exercises easier and less strenuous since water provides buoyancy.

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or playing sports help improve cardiovascular fitness. These activities get the heart pumping and make it stronger over time. Not only that, being outdoors helps one relax, breathe in fresh air, and be less stressed.

Mind-Body Activities

Chronic stress is one of the contributors of developing cardiovascular diseases by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation of the body. Stress management and emotion regulation helps counteract these symptoms. In addition to that, mind-body activities also help in stress management and emotional control. 

Yoga, tai chi, and meditation are examples of mind-body exercises that reduce the risk of attaining cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, these practices helped improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Yoga and tai chi uses breathing techniques and meditation practices that enhance overall well being. Mindful meditation helps individuals to improve their lifestyle choices — self awareness, improved diet, and increased physical activities — which are all essential in having a healthy heart.

Before starting a new exercise program, consult with a medical professional, may it be a primary care physician or registered physical therapist, especially if one already has pre-existing health conditions. Therapy Rx, Inc., is well-versed in providing patient-centered therapy care to improve the patient’s daily activities and improve overall well being.