By: Roberta Catuogno

February is American Heart Month, so you will be hearing a lot about how to take care of this vital organ. In addition to beating about 100,000 times per day and pumping five or six quarts of blood each minute, this fist-sized powerhouse represents our emotional center. It represents where we feel love, compassion, empathy and emotion.

Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones. But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that “in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal. A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts.”

The human heart is so very strong and powerful. Every day we have opportunities to show and share as well as heal. As important as the physical aspects of self-care are, so are the emotional ones. Don’t be afraid to smile at one another or offer a kind word when you can. Your heart will thank you.

Here are a few simple ways you can emotionally exercise your heart this month:

  • Check in on a neighbor who lives alone.
  • Call an old friend and catch up.
  • Be present in the moment – put down your electronics – and truly listen to those around you.
  • Volunteer your time to a local charity.
  • Let others know when they are doing a good job, whether it’s a co-worker, family member or server at a restaurant.
  • Donate blood – especially in the winter months, donations are greatly needed.
  • Send a handwritten thank you to those who have made an impact on your life.
  • Compliment your friends, family members and acquaintances.
  • Cook a meal for a friend/family member who may be going through a rough patch.
  • Be kind to yourself. No one is perfect and you are doing great.

Roberta Catugono is the Healthy Living Director at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA. She can be reached at rcatuogno@fspymca.org.