Experts have shared seven enjoyable ways to support heart health, from singing and laughter to socialising and housework, alongside the importance of regular health checks.
Professor Dan Augustine, Cardiologist and Medical Director of Sports Cardiology UK, said: "I sometimes think we make it sound far more complicated – and far less enjoyable, than it needs to be." He emphasised that knowing your numbers matters: "Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and weight can all tell us something about cardiovascular risk. That's one of the reasons regular checks are important."
Singing and staying active
Singing is highlighted as a fun way to support heart health. Professor Dave Camlin at Trinity Laban said: "Singing helps to regulate breathing and heart rate, reducing stress and inducing feelings of relaxation." He added that singing in a group can help regulate the rate at which the heart speeds up and slows down, as people "tune in" to other singers.
A 2020 study led by Professor Camlin, published in the Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences Communications, showed that this sense of "feeling felt" by the group can be profound, leading to "magic moments" with an uplifting effect. To find a local singing group or choir, visit the Natural Voice Network.
On physical activity, Prof Augustine said: "The best form of exercise is the one you will actually do. If you enjoy walking, gardening, dancing, even housework – all of those things count." The NHS recommends adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week, but Prof Augustine advised: "Don't look at that number and decide you have failed if you are nowhere near it. If you currently do very little, start with five or ten minutes."
Acupuncture and laughter
Karen Charlesworth, Acupuncturist and Course Lead at the Northern College of Acupuncture, first became interested in heart health after noticing that people with atrial fibrillation (AF) who had acupuncture for issues such as stress and weight loss often said their AF had improved. A pilot study she conducted at the University of York, published in Pilot and Feasibility Studies in 2025, involved 30 women; of the 12 who received acupuncture, nine reported improvements.
Charlesworth said: "Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats the whole person. Acupuncture may help to address factors such as reducing stress hormones, decreasing inflammation and improving sleep quality." To find a registered practitioner, contact the British Acupuncture Council.
Laughter is also recommended. Stephanie Davies, Laughter Psychologist at laughology.co.uk, said: "Laughter increases blood flow around the whole body, including the heart, and naturally increases positive immune cells. Research suggests that 10 to 15 minutes of hearty laughter can have a similar physical effect to walking briskly for 15 minutes." She recommends using "humour triggers" by recalling funny moments or sharing them with others.
Supplements, socialising and connecting with your heart
Registered Nutritionist Rob Hobson highlighted supplements that can support heart health: "Magnesium plays an important role in normal muscle function, which of course includes the heart. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish and fish oil supplements, have been well studied for their role in cardiovascular health." He also mentioned Ubiquinol, the active form of Coenzyme Q10, which helps cells produce energy and acts as an antioxidant.
Dr Sheena Kumar, Chartered Psychologist in London, said: "Socialising is one of the biggest and most underestimated factors that benefits heart health." A meta-analysis by University College London shows that people who feel socially isolated have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A recent review found that owning a dog is linked to a decreased cardiovascular risk and a 31% reduced risk of death from a heart attack or stroke.
Zita West, acupuncturist and author of Conceive, suggests spending five minutes every day connecting back with your heart. She advises putting a hand on your heart, breathing slowly and deeply, noticing how it feels, and thinking of someone you love unconditionally. "Do this every day for five minutes and notice how your heart feels after a couple of weeks," she said.
