By Stephanie Chilton -
February is a month filled with heart-centered reminders - American Heart Month, Wear Red Day, and Valentine’s Day. But for women in midlife recovering from addiction, the meaning of “heart health” goes beyond physical wellness. It’s about healing, self-love, and reclaiming your life.
Why Your Heart Deserves Extra Love
Addiction takes a toll on the body, and the heart is no exception. Years of substance use - whether alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes - lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and increased stress on your cardiovascular system. But here’s the good news: recovery gives your heart a second chance.
By choosing sobriety, you’ve already made one of the most powerful decisions for your heart health. Build on that foundation with self-care, movement, and nourishing choices that keep your heart strong - both physically and emotionally.
Wear Red & Raise Awareness
Today is National Wear Red Day, a campaign to raise awareness about women’s heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, yet many don’t realize they’re at risk. Wearing red is a simple but powerful way to start conversations and remind yourself - and other women - that your health matters.
More Than a Valentine: Self-Love in Recovery
Valentine’s Day often focuses on romantic love, but for women in recovery, self-love is the most important love of all. After years of struggle, learning to care for yourself - body, mind, and soul - is an act of healing.
This February, instead of focusing on external love, turn inward:
💖 Nourish your body with heart-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s.
💖 Move your body - whether it’s a nature walk, yoga, or dancing to your favorite music.
💖 Manage stress with deep breathing, journaling, or meditation.
💖 Connect with others who lift you up and remind you of your strength.
Your Heart, Your Future
Every beat of your heart is a reminder that you are here, alive, and thriving in your recovery journey. Whether you wear red for awareness, for love, or simply as a statement of your resilience, know this: your heart is healing, and your future is bright.
Will you be wearing red today? Your heart will thank you. ❤️
