I’ve been thinking a lot about the heart lately. How It works quietly in the background, beating faithfully through sleepless nights, busy days, great days and everything in between. We often don’t realize how much it gives us until it feels heavy or worn down.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the heart lately. How It works quietly in the background, beating faithfully through sleepless nights, busy days, great days and everything in between. We often don’t realize how much it gives us until it feels heavy or worn down.
Did you know the heart pumps blood through about 60,000 miles of blood vessels? It keeps every organ alive by sending oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed. It’s central to life itself. Which is why protecting it both physically and emotionally is so important.
Yet, every Monday morning, something strange happens. For many, it’s the most stressful day of the week. Tension builds, pressure rises, and stress hormones flood the body. The weight of deadlines and responsibilities doesn’t just overwhelm the mind, it takes a real toll on the heart. Over time, this constant stress can weaken the heart’s defenses, making it more vulnerable to serious problems like plaque buildup and even life-threatening blockages.
But the heart isn’t just a pump, it feels, too. When emotions go unacknowledged, when they’re unheard, they quietly raise the risk of heart disease. And for those who’ve already faced a heart attack or stroke, the fear of it happening again can steal the joy from everyday life, leaving the heart feeling fragile and exposed. More than anything, it longs for healing.
1. Speak Out: There’s real relief in sharing what weighs you down. Talking to a trusted friend, a family member, or a therapist can feel like a balm to the heart. Sometimes, just putting words to what we carry is enough to ease the pressure.
2. Pause: In all our rushing, we forget that the heart needs quiet too. A few deep breaths, a short break, or even a quiet moment in prayer can restore peace. These pauses are like whispers to the heart, reminding it that calm is still possible.
3. Move: Movement is life-giving. A walk, a dance in the living room, or even light exercise can bring joy back to the body and energy to the heart. A little something to remind your heart that it’s alive.
4. Nourish: The heart craves good food, too. When we choose nourishing meals, we’re giving our hearts the strength to keep going. Eating well is an act of self-love.
Caring for your heart is about valuing it like you would a rare gem. Michael Hyatt once said “We don’t guard things that are worthless”, and our hearts are far from that. They are the wellspring of life, everything we do, flowing into our relationships, our work, and our dreams. Like a pure spring, if our hearts are contaminated, the effects are felt downstream. That’s why King Solomon once said, “Above all else, guard your heart,” for it is the wellspring of life.
Life’s struggles will try to shake your heart, but it’s your anchor. Guard it, cherish it. By caring for your heart physically, emotionally, and spiritually you protect the core of who you are. You give yourself the strength to face each day and the courage to love deeply. Remember, your heart is a treasure, and every beat is a blessing.
