A Balanced Heart Is A Healthy Heart
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By Team Adesso | Posted Nov 28, 2024
Finding a hobby, passion or form of creative expression can bring more fun, and purpose to your life. But did you know, it can also be extremely helpful to your heart health?
Are you living from the heart? Find out. Take our brief quiz to get your own #LiveFromTheHeart tip sheet.
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One study in Japan looked at 56,381 adults aged 45-74 years. It divided these individuals into the non-hobby, having a hobby, and having many hobbies groups. Those who had many hobbies had a 20% lower risk of Cardiovascular disease! This was found to be similarly true with the reduction of stroke.
Obviously, hobbies that include physical activity have a direct connection to our heart health, especially if they help us achieve a sustained target heart rate. But even if they get us off our feet simply to move, these types of hobbies can release helpful endorphins that help us feel good, too!
Hobbies, like healthy and happy relationships, can also bring us a break from the cycles of stress, anxiety and depression we can experience. They can connect us to powerful positive endorphins that not only relieve stress, but also strengthen our minds and bodies, by decreasing inflammation and supporting our immune response.
Hobbies and activities that decrease our stress also trigger our vagus nerve, decreasing our blood pressures, as well. Scientists are studying the effects of art and music, especially on those with PTSD. Studies that have activities that involve improvisation are demonstrating major benefits to those who have suffered trauma. These activities improve resilience and neuroplasticity in the brain, allowing us to improve fight or flight responses to stressful situations and help manage stress.
So pick up a hobby, maybe three and see how it improves your mind and body.
What better way to be more heart healthy than actually making time to do something you enjoy? Pick an activity that you have been wanting to learn or something you already enjoy. Below are some examples of both physical and creative activities that can benefit your heart and your life.
What is your favorite hobby? Let us know in the comments.
