Circulation is the way the heart pumps blood throughout your body. Good blood flow is so important for your body to function properly. Your blood carries oxygen to your brain and all organs which is vital for your health. When you have poor circulation, you’ll start to notice it in many ways.
Poor circulation can cause swelling in your ankles, hair loss on your legs, dry skin, brittle nails, just to name a few.
Sitting too long is one common cause of poor circulation. When you sit for too long, you are at risk of a blood clot.
There are some very simple things you can do to improve your circulation and decrease your risk of a blood clot.
1. Do not sit for more than 1-2 hours at a time. Set a timer for an hour and a half then get up and take a short walk. Just take a minute or so and use this time to go to the bathroom, get a drink, or get the mail.
2. Perform ankle pumps throughout the day. Do this by moving your foot up and down. If you are sitting, rock back onto your heels, then rock forward onto your toes. Whether you do this sitting or when you have your feet up, this easy exercise will help increase your circulation.
3. Elevate your legs. Take 20 minutes each day and sit with your feet up. You can even perform some ankle pumps while in this position. When you sit with your feet down all day, gravity takes the blood down to your feet and with poor circulation it can pool there.
4. Walk for exercise! Taking a daily walk outdoors will do wonders for your body! Walking is the best way to increase your circulation, and the fresh air and sunshine will give you added benefits to your mood.
5. Compression stockings are another way of increasing your circulation and decreasing swelling in your ankles. Compression stockings are difficult to put on and take off. You may need assistance to do this. If you wear compression stockings, they need to be worn during the day and removed at night.
There are many other ways of increasing your circulation like quitting smoking, losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more.
Circulation is one thing that most of us don’t think about until there is a problem. Start to improve your circulation today! ❤️
Stay safe,
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