Happy keys to a stronger heart

Your joyful outlook is good for your heart! That’s the word from Georgetown University scientists, who say the hormones your brain releases when you’re cheery also strengthen arteries, cutting your heart disease risk by 50%. More good news: These spirit-boosting strategies help you shake off the stress of the last few months too!

Breathe a la Oprah

While on your porch swing, borrow a tip from Oprah’s stressbusting playbook and take a few deep breaths. Doing so soothes the brain’s anxiety control center, cutting your risk of chronic stress in half so you feel more upbeat, UCLA scientist say. What’s more, a study in Psychological Research found that regularly inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for a count of six lowers your blood pressure by up to 10 points in eight weeks, helping your heart beat easier.

Savor like Ina

If you love chocolate as much as Ina Garten, great news: It spurs the release of the antidepressant hormone serotonin, boosting your mood for up to 2 hours, says Joseph Maroon, M.D., author of Square One. Plus, Italian scientists say enjoying 2 oz. of dark chocolate daily cuts heart disease risk by 50%! Cocoa’s antioxidants prevent artery-clogging plaque buildup.

Channel Denise

On a walk? Pull back your shoulders, lift your chin and swing your arms like Denise Austin. Canadian scientists say great posture and a peppy stride boost the production of the moodlifting, heart-strengthening hormone dopamine by 65%, helping you feel calmer and happier in 60 seconds.

Cue up Loretta Lynn

Listening to “oldies but goodies” lowers your stress levels by 55% in 5 minutes, Michigan State University scientists say. Plus, the nostalgic feeling of these tunes triggers a release of arteryrelaxing oxytocin, cutting blood pressure by 15 points—results on par with dietary changes.