Challenge Day 7

In the Mood for Love

If romance is on your mind with Valentine’s Day less than a week away… good! Spicing up your love life is good for your relationship and can actually be beneficial for your heart.

While this month of love might make you think more about the metaphysical heart, studies show that:

  • Hugging and holding hands can lower stress hormones. Less stress often means lower blood pressure, reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Kissing can improve your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. As your heart rate kicks up, especially during a long smooch, your blood vessels dilate and your blood flow improves.
  • Snuggling up with someone special also can release endorphins and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, which is another way touch can positively affect your heart (emotionally and physically).

So, while the calendar might tell us to celebrate intimacy on February 14, why not make time for it every day?

You can literally say it’s for health reasons.


Today’s Challenge

Find ways to re-spark intimacy in your relationship. (We don’t need to know how hot it gets.) And, if you don’t have a romantic partner, you can always hug a loved one or a close friend, which is still good for your heart—and theirs.