With cost-of-living pressure rising in recent years, stress has become the silent epidemic of modern life – and it’s quietly breaking our hearts. Health experts warn that chronic stress is compromising how our hearts function, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and even sudden cardiac events.
Recent national data shows that nearly half of Australians say financial worries are the biggest factor affecting their wellbeing, while more than a third of workers report feeling burnt out every week.
“Most people think of stress as emotional or mental, but the heart feels it too,” said Nicci Dent, CEO of Heart Research Australia. “We’ve normalised being wired and tired – but living in stress mode is like leaving your car engine running all night. The costof-living squeeze means many Australians feel like every day is a crisis – and our hearts are paying the price.”
This REDFEB, Heart Research Australia is encouraging Australians to have some fun with their heart health by taking part in the free REDFEB Bingo Challenge. Instead of another stressful “challenge,” it’s about trying small, surprising things across the “4Ms” of heart health – and ticking them off as you go. At the end of February, you’ll see how good your heart (and head) feels.
The 4Ms are simple daily resets that support both physical and mental wellbeing:
• Meals: Invite a friend over for a home-cooked meal or try a new heart-healthy recipe.
• Movement: dance in the kitchen, take the stairs, or go for a walk with a friend.
• Measurement: check your blood pressure, cholesterol, or other key health indicators.
• Mental attitude: consciously slow down your breath, laugh with a friend, or spend an hour in nature.
“Your heart listens to your lifestyle,” said Nicci Dent, CEO of Heart Research Australia. “This REDFEB is about small, joyful habits to help your body return to baseline – from cooking a healthy meal to walking with a friend.”
“You can’t always control the cost of living or your workload, but you can control how your body navigates back to baseline. Most importantly, REDFEB is about wearing red, raising awareness, and funding vital, lifesaving research – so more families can be spared the devastation of heart disease.”
Australians are encouraged to wear red, take part in the REDFEB Bingo Challenge, and donate to Heart Research Australia at www.heartresearch.com.au