Love Your Heart This Valentine’s Day

While chocolates, roses and heart-shaped emojis take centre stage this season, it is also the perfect time to show some love to your real heart, which works non-stop to keep you going. Between lectures, labs, clinical prep, deadlines and late-night study sessions, it is easy to forget to give it the TLC it deserves.

It may be tempting to think that heart health is something to worry about later. After all, you are young, busy and in your prime. However, stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and inactivity – common companions of student life – can affect cardiovascular health over time. The good news is that small, consistent habits make a big difference.

As future healthcare professionals and scientists, you already know the theory. Now it is about putting it into practice.

Practise Heart Healthy Habits Today

Eat Right

With packed schedules and barely any free time, many of us end up eating less healthily than we would like. Think fast food, convenience meals or even skipping meals altogether. The first two options tend to be high in saturated fats, sodium and heavily processed ingredients which, over time, can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity and high cholesterol.

Instead of a total meal-plan overhaul, try some easy fixes first:

Add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins to your meals
Cut down on ultra-processed and high-sugar foods
Keep hydrated

Think progress, not perfection. One good choice at a time adds up.

Move More

Sometimes, fitting in regular exercise can be a challenge. When movement drops off, it can quietly increase heart-related risks such as weight gain, high blood pressure and poor circulation. Staying active is important for heart health as it helps improve blood flow, lower “bad” cholesterol and keep your weight in a healthy range.

Exercise doesn’t always mean intense gym sessions. Consider:

Taking a brisk walk between classes
Stretching after long study hours
Doing quick workouts, yoga sessions or sports with friends

Manage Stress

Medical school can be intense, with long study hours, heavy workloads and constant pressure to perform, so it is no surprise that stress and sleep often take a hit. Ongoing stress can raise blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormone levels, while irregular or poor sleep, especially during exams or clinical rotations, makes it harder for the body to recover. Over time, this combination can increase the risk of heart-related issues.

Remember: rest is productive.

Take short breaks while studying
Try mindful breathing exercises
Get enough sleep

Don’t Forget Emotional Wellbeing

Feeling anxious or low is more common than you might think, especially when you are juggling patient cases and high-stakes information. Mental health struggles can quietly affect heart health by influencing everyday habits such as eating, sleeping and staying active.

Staying connected with friends, family and classmates supports emotional health and reduces stress. Whether it is a quick check-in, a shared meal or a laugh after a long day, relationships matter. And if things feel overwhelming, reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness.

Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with someone special, your good friends, or just yourself, let this be a reminder that your health comes first. Because the best kind of love is the kind that helps you thrive today and in the future.