For most of us, we don’t think about our heart health until something starts to concern us about it. After all, our heart health isn’t exactly the kind of thing that’s on our mind at 21 years old. Yet, the truth is your heart health is something you should be concerned with as early on as possible. 

Your heart is a big deal, after all! It works around the clock without ever taking a day off and is the primary engine for keeping everything running smoothly. So, it makes sense to prioritize it, right? If you can start prioritizing your heart health at a young age, then you’ll find that over the age of 80, your heart health will be impeccable.  Here are a few mindful shifts in your lifestyle and routine that can make a big difference for your heart.

Move More

Before you assume that you have to start enrolling yourself in half-city marathons, the good news is that you don’t. You don’t need to pull out your running shoes just yet. You don’t even need a membership at the gym if you don’t want to. Something as simple as going for a walk every morning—even just 30 minutes a day at a moderate pace—can significantly lower your risk of heart disease.

Even though you may not be motivated to go for a walk today, think of it as putting a penny in the piggy bank for your future self. Every step counts, so get moving and get some fresh air! Not only will you improve your heart health, but studies show that you’ll significantly improve your mental health as well.

Be Mindful of Diet

No one is asking you to start weighing out your pasta or meticulously removing the egg yolk from your omelet. If your goal is a healthier heart, then it’s as simple as making better choices. In other words, if you have a choice between pizza for dinner or rice and chicken, then the choice should be obvious.

Your dietary choices are worth a second thought if you’re considering your heart health long-term. And while it’s okay to indulge once in a while, most of your dietary choices should be full of whole grains, leafy greens, and plenty of fiber. That doesn’t mean you have to cut fat out either! Healthy fats are a part of a healthy brain, so don’t forget to include plenty of avocado, nuts, and olive oil.

Manage Your Stress

Oftentimes, we’re so focused on the physical aspect of heart health that we forget about the mental aspect of it. When our lives are stress-driven, we have higher blood pressure, and chances are we probably don’t sleep that much. Yet, high blood pressure and lack of sleep are a one-way ticket to an unhappy heart.

Reduce the amount of stress you expose yourself to on a daily basis, and your heart will thank you for it.