As we celebrate Heart Month, it’s the perfect time to show your heart some TLC. Think of your heart as the engine that keeps your life cruising. With just a few small tweaks to your daily routine, you can keep that engine running smoothly for years to come.
Why not make heart health a team goal for February? From moving more to eating smarter (and even sprinkling in a bit of kindness), these challenges are all about creating habits that make your heart happy. Bonus: They’re so fun you might not even notice they’re healthy!
Let’s dive into 10 heart-healthy activities that will bring your team together, spark some smiles, and maybe even kickstart a little friendly competition.
A happier heart = a stronger team. Let’s get to it!
Ready to show your heart some love? These activities are simple, fun, and totally doable for any workplace.
Goal: Skip the elevator, take the stairs.
How: Challenge employees to take the stairs instead of the elevator for one week. Create a leaderboard for “flights climbed,” with rewards for the most consistent participants.
Goal: Share delicious heart-healthy recipes.
How: Create a virtual or physical recipe board where employees can share dishes low in sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. Host a potluck or cooking contest featuring these recipes. Vote on the most creative dish!
Goal: Swap ultra-processed snacks for red superfood
How: The idea is simple: swap processed snacks for vibrant, heart-healthy red foods like apples, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Not only are these snacks packed with nutrients, but they also support cardiovascular health while satisfying cravings.
Goal: Learn one new heart-healthy habit daily.
How: Start each morning with a quick, actionable heart-health tip delivered to employees via email, a messaging platform like Slack, or your company’s wellness portal. These daily nudges encourage simple, effective habits that build up over time to improve heart health.
Some examples:
Goal: Get active for at least 30 minutes a day.
How: Allow employees to log activities like dancing, yoga, or running. Offer prizes for those who complete the challenge most days in February.
Goal: Complete fun heart-health-related activities.
How: Create a bingo card with actions like "Eat three servings of veggies in a day," "Do a random act of kindness," or "Try a new exercise." Reward completed rows or full cards with small prizes. Check out this site to create a bingo card.
Goal: Drink enough water daily.
How: Set a target (e.g., eight glasses daily) and track progress. Staying hydrated keeps your heart pumping smoothly, supports healthy blood flow, and helps regulate blood pressure. It also flushes out excess sodium, reduces strain on your heart, and boosts overall energy. Share daily tips to make hydration a habit for your employees.
Goal: Practice gratitude daily.
How: Have employees jot down three things they’re grateful for each day. At the end of the month, host a gratitude-sharing session or display notes on a wall or shared jar. Gratitude is great for reducing stress— a major contributor to heart problems.
Goal: Create a playlist that gets everyone moving.
How: Invite employees to share their favorite workout songs. Compile them into a playlist and use it during office breaks or virtual workouts.
Goal: Spread joy and positivity.
How: Challenge employees to complete at least one kind gesture daily during Random Acts of Kindness Week (Feb 11-17, 2025). Kindness reduces stress and boosts happiness, which is good for the heart.
Goal: Educate while having fun.
How: Get your team’s competitive spirit pumping with a heart-health trivia game! February is all about raising awareness for your ticker, so why not make it fun and educational? For inspiration, check out 12 Fascinating Heart Facts. Offer prizes like water bottles or fitness bands.
These challenges not only make wellness fun but also encourage healthy habits that benefit employees year-round.
Remember, small steps add up. Focus on creating a supportive environment where healthy heart habits can grow. Consider recognizing participation with special shout-outs or certificates to keep the momentum going.
Heart Month is an excellent opportunity to show your team that you care about their well-being. By planning simple and enjoyable employee activities, you can help everyone feel healthier and happier. Start small, get creative, and make heart health a priority in your workplace. Together, you can make a lasting impact — one healthy choice at a time!