Change of heart

I read an interesting article in the weekend newspaper’s magazine on looking after your heart.

The article stated women are four times more likely to die of heart disease than breast cancer and that heart disease is the number one killer of Australian women. (Though I would be interested in ages of those who die, as we all have to die eventually and it may be the elderly who are highly represented in the figures of heart attacks. Not to downplay the impact of heart disease in younger people, just that a few lines on statistics opens up more questions.)

The article suggested a few lifestyle changes that help protect the heart. One area fits perfectly into my May regrouping goals: dealing with stress.

Stress, it makes your muscles tense and long-term, it affects your heart.

To counteract stress do 15 minutes of meditation a day or even 5 minutes of deep breathing. Sleep, laughter, sex and a bubble bath all release tension and boost the feel-good endorphins. Basically do things which nurture yourself or make you happy.

Hmm! Good to hear. This is what I am doing by following Dr John.

Now time for today’s log:

1. Did I have a laugh today?

Yes, went to book club and laughed, chatted, and had high-brow conversation as we all pulled off the Women’s Weekly Good Read sticker, being the book snobs that we are.

2. Did I give someone a hug today?

Yes, son.

3. Did I go some deep breathing?

Yes.

4. Did I do a relaxation activity, such as read a book, have a bath, light a candle, dream, call someone and have a chat, sit in the sun?

Yes, listened to the radio when I had the house to myself. And I had deep soak in the bath with Epsom salt.

5. Did I do something good for someone else or be nice to someone?

Yes, was nice to people; reassured a child and made her smile when she was feeling very nervous.

Today’s decluttered item = receipts cluttering a handbag.