4 Simple Ways to Pamper Your Heart

Our body's natural response to stress is primal and designed for life & death situations.  Today's world is full of stressors, as we all well know: traffic, obligations, children and work.  The cascade of hormones that result from our reactions to stress tax our body systems.  Take adrenaline for example - when released it increases your heart rate and elevates your blood pressure.

So here are some simple practices from the American Heart Association website to calm our hearts and minds. Best of all, some of these don't need to take time out of the day; try them while you commute, while in bed or during a walk.

1) Practice positive self-talk every day — in the car, at your desk, before you go to bed or whenever you notice negative thoughts

2) Slow down: count to 10 before you speak.  Practice deep breathing.  Break big tasks into smaller parts.  Drive in the slow lane!

3) Find pleasure in the small things: art projects, listening to music, smell the rose, go for a stroll after dinner!

4) Daily relaxation: practice deep breathing and meditation (try it before bed)