Showing Your Heart Some Love This February
Heart Health Month is a reminder that caring for your heart does not require perfection, just small, consistent choices around movement, food, stress, sleep and connection. By focusing on habits that feel realistic and enjoyable, anyone can support their heart at any stage of life.
February is Heart Health Month, which makes it a perfect time to check in with the hardest working muscle in your body. Your heart shows up for you every single day, whether you are running late, laughing with friends or sleeping soundly. Heart Health Month is not about fear or guilt. It is about awareness, small choices and feeling empowered to take care of yourself in ways that actually fit your life.
Let’s start by saying this out loud: Heart health is not just an issue for older adults. It is something that matters at every age. The habits you build now shape how your heart supports you years from today. The good news is that you do not need extreme routines or perfect discipline to make a difference. Small steps really do add up.
One of the simplest places to begin is movement. This does not mean you need to live at the gym or train for a marathon. Walking the dog, dancing in your kitchen, stretching while watching your favorite show or taking the stairs when you can all count. The goal is to move your body in ways that feel good and doable. When movement feels like a punishment, it never sticks. When it feels like a break or a boost, it becomes part of your day.
Food plays a role too, but heart-healthy eating is not about strict rules or cutting out everything you enjoy. It is about balance and curiosity. Adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats is often more helpful than focusing on what to avoid. Think about what you can include on your plate that helps you feel energized and satisfied. Enjoying food is part of health, not the opposite of it.
Stress is another big piece of the puzzle. Modern life is busy, loud, and demanding, and your heart feels that pressure right along with you. Finding small moments to slow down can make a real difference. That might look like deep breathing, journaling, stepping outside for fresh air, or simply giving yourself permission to rest without feeling guilty. Managing stress is not about eliminating it completely. It is about giving your body a chance to recover.
TIP: Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) managed by Health Advocate can help you identify and manage stress – they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone (877.240.6863) or email (Answers@HealthAdvocate.com).
Sleep often gets overlooked, but it matters more than most people realize. Quality sleep helps regulate blood pressure, supports mood, and gives your heart a chance to recharge. If sleep has been a struggle, Heart Health Month can be a gentle reminder to look at your routines and make rest a priority where you can.
This month is also a great time to schedule checkups and learn your numbers. Knowing things like blood pressure and cholesterol gives you useful information, not a label. It helps you and your health care provider make informed choices together. Think of it as data that supports you, not something to fear.
TIP: When you schedule your annual wellness exam – don’t forget to use your Healthy Day Off! And, remember, when you complete your exam by September 30 and submit your Wellness Exam Completion Form to Wellness@olysteel.com, you’re eligible for the WellPerks Wellness Incentive. Read all the details on SteelPerks.com.
Finally, remember that heart health is connected to joy, relationships and purpose. Laughing, feeling connected, and doing things you love are not extras. They are part of a full and healthy life. Your heart responds to more than just food and exercise. It responds to how you feel.
This month, try choosing one small thing that feels realistic and be kind to yourself. Drink more water. Take a short walk. Go to bed a little earlier. Call someone who makes you smile. Heart Health Month is not about doing everything. It is about doing something and doing it with care.
