Riya Baibhawi

Wiggling Toes To Laughing: These Everyday Practices Can Boost Your Heart Health

Can fidgeting and belly laughing keep your heart ticking? New research says, Yes. 

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death across the US. As per the American Heart Association (AHA), 61% of American adults are likely to develop some kind of CVD in the next 30 years. Beyond the US, data suggests that around 17.9 million lives each year are lost to heart diseases alone. 

While everyone knows that sticking to a healthy diet and exercising is the key to countering it, there are lesser-known ways to boost your health and some of them are even fun. But before we explore that, it must be noted that improved breathing can have profound benefits on long-term cardiovascular function. Since the heart and lungs work hand in hand to deliver oxygen to the body, daily habits that improve lung function — like deep breathing exercises, staying active and avoiding pollutants — are key to preventing heart disease and supporting long-term cardiovascular health.

<h2>Here Are Simple Yet Fun Ways To Boost Your Lung &amp; Heart Health</h2>Wiggle Your Toes: A simple habit like wiggling your toes for 30 seconds every hour can help maintain healthy circulation. This small movement stimulates blood flow, preventing pooling and supporting overall circulation. Improved circulation ensures better oxygen flow throughout the body, benefiting both lung and heart health.

Maintain Proper Posture: Posture plays a crucial role in respiratory and cardiovascular health. Poor posture compresses the chest cavity, restricting lung capacity and limiting airflow. Over time, this can reduce oxygen levels in the bloodstream, forcing the heart to work harder. Maintaining proper spinal alignment opens up the chest cavity, allowing the lungs to expand fully. This leads to enhanced oxygen intake, improved breathing, and reduced stress on the heart.

Laugh More for a Healthier Heart: Laughter isn’t just good for the soul—it’s great for your heart too! Studies have shown that laughter therapy can improve cardiovascular health and ease symptoms of heart disease. When you laugh, your diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract, promoting deep breathing and enhancing oxygen exchange. This process helps lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce stress, all of which contribute to a healthier heart and lungs.

Practice Gratitude Daily: Cultivating gratitude can have significant health benefits. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone linked to inflammation in the body, including the respiratory system. By practising gratitude—such as keeping a journal or reflecting on positive moments—you can lower stress and anxiety, leading to more relaxed breathing and improved lung function. Studies suggest that those who engage in gratitude practices experience greater well-being and emotional resilience.

Try Pursed Lip Breathing: Regulating your breathing can be a game-changer for lung efficiency. Pursed lip breathing, a simple technique where you inhale deeply and exhale slowly as if blowing out birthday candles, can improve airflow and prevent airway collapse. This technique is particularly helpful during periods of stress or physical activity. By prolonging exhalation, pursed lip breathing enhances oxygen exchange, reduces the heart’s workload, and supports better respiratory function.

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Can fidgeting and belly laughing keep your heart ticking? New research says, Yes. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death across the US. As per the American Heart Association (AHA), 61% of American adults are likely to develop some kind of CVD in the next 30 years. Beyond the US, data suggests that around 17.9 million lives each year are lost to heart diseases alone. While everyone knows that sticking to a healthy diet and exercising is the key to countering it, there are lesser-known ways to boost your health and some of them are even fun. But before we explore that, it must be noted that improved breathing can have profound benefits on long-term cardiovascular function. Since the heart and lungs work hand in hand to deliver oxygen to the body, daily habits that improve lung function — like deep breathing exercises, staying active and avoiding pollutants — are key to preventing heart disease and supporting long-term cardiovascular health.Here Are Simple Yet Fun Ways To Boost Your Lung & Heart HealthWiggle Your Toes: A simple habit like wiggling your toes for 30 seconds every hour can help maintain healthy circulation. This small movement stimulates blood flow, preventing pooling and supporting overall circulation. Improved circulation ensures better oxygen flow throughout the body, benefiting both lung and heart health.Maintain Proper Posture: Posture plays a crucial role in respiratory and cardiovascular health. Poor posture compresses the chest cavity, restricting lung capacity and limiting airflow. Over time, this can reduce oxygen levels in the bloodstream, forcing the heart to work harder. Maintaining proper spinal alignment opens up the chest cavity, allowing the lungs to expand fully. This leads to enhanced oxygen intake, improved breathing, and reduced stress on the heart.Laugh More for a Healthier Heart: Laughter isn’t just good for the soul—it’s great for your heart too! Studies have shown that laughter therapy can improve cardiovascular health and ease symptoms of heart disease. When you laugh, your diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract, promoting deep breathing and enhancing oxygen exchange. This process helps lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce stress, all of which contribute to a healthier heart and lungs.Practice Gratitude Daily: Cultivating gratitude can have significant health benefits. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone linked to inflammation in the body, including the respiratory system. By practising gratitude—such as keeping a journal or reflecting on positive moments—you can lower stress and anxiety, leading to more relaxed breathing and improved lung function. Studies suggest that those who engage in gratitude practices experience greater well-being and emotional resilience.Try Pursed Lip Breathing:  Regulating your breathing can be a game-changer for lung efficiency. Pursed lip breathing, a simple technique where you inhale deeply and exhale slowly as if blowing out birthday candles, can improve airflow and prevent airway collapse. This technique is particularly helpful during periods of stress or physical activity. By prolonging exhalation, pursed lip breathing enhances oxygen exchange, reduces the heart’s workload, and supports better respiratory function.