The body’s circulatory system is responsible for delivering nutrients, wastes and gases, to and from the cells. It also plays a role in regulating body temperature and in maintaining the pH level of the body.
Without the blood circulating to all parts of the body, we wouldn’t survive. The heart serves as the vital pump which keeps the blood and oxygen flowing to all our organs. If circulation is impaired in any way, our entire system is compromised.
Therefore, we have to do everything we can to keep our circulation functioning at the highest level! Below are some helpful tips to improve your cardiovascular system and keep it functioning at its best.
Exercise Daily
You do not have to do strenuous physical sports or lift weights in order to boost your circulation. All that is required is to take a daily walk. Exercise is a great way to boost circulation to cold hands and feet, ease aching muscles and help fight fatigue, that is often brought on by the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles.
Quit Smoking
Smoking restricts the flow of blood and does a lot of damage to your body and health. That’s not news. We all know that. However, as you just read, a healthy blood flow is important if you want to survive. Smoking does not lead you to the desired result required!
Smoking contributes to the hardening of the arteries and the clogging and narrowing of the arteries. How can the blood circulate and flow optimally if this happens?
Stretching Exercises
Another simple exercise is to stretch. Stretching can improve your circulation. Performing stretching exercises every hour or so is easy and important, especially if you are slumped and cramped over a desk all day.
It doesn’t matter what type of stretching exercises you do, just stretch enough to get the blood circulating from the tip of your head to your fingers and toes.
You may perform some arm circling exercises, touching your toes and any activity that allows your whole body to be stretched. What matters most is that you do not allow your body to be in the same position for several hours.
So, stand up and reach for the stars!
Relax to Keep Your Stress Hormones Under Control
Most people say they are stressed. However, too much stress and pressure can make your stress hormones become continually elevated.
Prolonged exposure to stress can wreak havoc on your circulation and the best remedy is relaxation. Indulging in relaxing activities does not have to be costly. You can easily take a leisurely stroll (which is good for your circulation) and listen to the birds, or put on your headphones and listen to some relaxing music.
Relaxing but mildly exertive physical activities such as these are perfect for dissipating stress hormones. It is imperative for health that the body has a stress-free recovery period every day.
Massage
A good massage boosts circulation and has been used for this purpose for centuries. The Greeks used the therapy of massage regularly, as they believed it to be an indispensable part of achieving optimal health.
It is an effective method of lowering blood pressure, improving bodily functions and for speeding up the healing process.
If you want to prevent your body fluids from pooling down to your toes and other parts of the body, which can be seen for example when the feet swell, treat yourself to a relaxing massage. The pressure placed on the body in every massage stroke facilitates better circulation, as the blood begins to move more freely.