How to Improve Your Circulation

Generally, most people have good circulation. However, if you have a sedentary job and spend a lot of time at a desk, you may find that your circulation is not as good as you would hope. Pins and needles, a lack of energy, fluid retention, and bloating can actually all be symptoms of poor circulation. Some medical conditions can contribute to the circulation of the blood not being as good as it should be so it's important that we take steps to improve our circulation.

Move More

This is the most basic and easy to achieve. If you work at a desk, you should aim to get up and stretch your legs at least once an hour for five minutes. Where possible, take phone calls on the move, get up from your desk, and pace as far as the space will allow. Exercise is important anyway, so try and build in some kind of walk at lunchtime or in the evenings as this will also help with issues such as weight control and mood. Of course, if you have time to take up a sport or join a gym, this is even more beneficial to your circulatory system.

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Stay Hydrated

Another common problem we experience when we're working is we tend to not drink enough. When we do drink, it also tends to be the wrong things like coffee and tea. It is really important that you drink plenty of water throughout the day as this helps not only your circulation but also flushes toxins through the body. An adult should be drinking half their body weight in ounces of water each day, which sounds quite a lot, and most people don't achieve that. A 2-litre bottle is a good place to start, and by filling that and ensuring you empty it each day, you can be confident you are staying properly hydrated.

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Get a Massage

This is certainly an appealing way to keep your circulation in tip-top health. All you have to do is lay there and enjoy a massage, but it can help the circulation a lot more than you might realize. The pressure of the hands of your masseuse applied to your body helps move the blood through any areas where it may be getting congested or not circulating as well as it could. Of course, there are plenty of other benefits to massages, including relaxation and stress management, as well as improving the body's lymph system.

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Elevate Your Legs

Another good way to ensure your circulation is doing as well as it can is to elevate your legs. Sitting with your legs crossed or tucked under you is bad for the circulation, so in the evenings, it's worth elevating your legs above your heart as you relax and watc television. Not only does it help with better circulation of the blood, but also it can drain the veins and reduce swelling in the legs. Put on compression socks to help improve blood flow, and then do this for about 20 minutes each day. Your circulation should improve a lot.