February – a month of focus on health & relationships
February is traditionally considered the “heart” month, mainly due to Valentine’s Day falling in the middle of the month. We start out February this year with the Lunar (Chinese) New Year on February 1st, a global celebration with themes of reunion and hope. Next comes the Super Bowl, which provides an opportunity to gather with family and friends while enjoying food and drinks, and maybe rooting for a favorite team. These are just two examples that justify why February is often known as the month dedicated to love, including self-love and self-care, as well as fostering relationships and loving others.
With the continuing threat of COVID-19, I think we all have come to appreciate the importance and impact of relationships in our life. Relationships, and not just the romantic ones, are essential to our well-being. To maintain these valuable connections, I like finding opportunities every month to celebrate the people that make a difference in my life. Every month seems to have a slate of dates that can prompt us to engage with others, whether it’s minor holidays like Valentine’s Day, significant days like birthdays and anniversaries, or national holidays. I know that not everyone likes the consumerism of these days, however, these celebrations can serve as valuable reminders for us to reflect on the importance of the relationship, and provide opportunities to engage with people we love and care about.
From a health perspective, February is American Heart Month, where the focus is to take care of our hearts by raising awareness about heart health and urging Americans to reduce their risk for developing heart disease. Part of having a healthy heart involves physical, mental, and social activities that all contribute to our well-being and overall health. Whether it is following certain dietary approaches, quitting smoking, managing our stress, or moving our bodies more, these activities are easier if we do it with others. This year’s theme, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, is “Our hearts are healthier together”, and I couldn’t agree more.
In honor of the theme of American Heart Month, combined with the focus of relationships, I have put together a list of suggestions of things you can do to nurture your relationships and your health! These two themes are so closely aligned, it’s a no brainer, and a great way to enjoy another month of winter!
Make a heart healthy snack for the week.
February 4th, sport RED for National Wear Red Day.
Schedule a Galentine’s get-together.
Have a game night with family and/or friends.
Schedule your annual physical, if you haven’t done so already
Check in on someone that you haven’t talked to in a while.
Make a heart healthy recipe at least once a week throughout the month. (Make it an opportunity to try a new recipe)
Be intentional with giving yourself a daily personalized positive affirmation. (True self-love )
Plan a special “Day of Two’s” that happens twice during this month and year… February 2nd, 2-2-22, and February 22nd, 2-22-22!
Begin planning your summer family reunion, so everyone has time to make arrangements.
Practice a daily 2-minute mindful meditation or progressive relaxation exercise for a whole week, focusing on getting your mind and body to a calmer state.
Pick a day and make it a sugar free day, and then pick another day and make it a salt free day.
Buy yourself some flowers.
Watch your favorite rom-com with a loved one.
Get your heart pumping with a dance party in your kitchen for 15 minutes, or perhaps during the commercials of your favorite TV program.
February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day; go ahead – spread some love.
Honor a loved one who has passed on in whatever way brings you peace and comfort.
Tuck a love note into a loved one’s lunch, coat pocket, or purse/book bag.
Eat vegetarian for a day. Or try meatless Monday throughout the month.
Protect your sweetheart’s heart, plan a heart healthy date!
Reach out and invite someone to coffee that you’ve been wanting to get to know better.
Invite family and/or friends over for breakfast, with healthy nutritious options to start the day.
Invite a friend or family member to go on a walk with you, and then set it up again on a weekly schedule. Getting outside in nature can be inspiring.
I hope these suggestions get you motivated! Taking care of your relationships and health is a life-long journey. Nurture both.