Exercise and keeping active is crucial to improving your Blood Circulation. Signs that you may have poor circulation include discolouration of the skin, numbness and tingling in the affected area, varicose veins and ulcers among others. Here are some activities and changes you can make to your lifestyle to improve your blood circulation.

Legs and Feet Circulatory Exercises

Those who sit working at a desk all day may start to feel their blood circulation decline in this area. Lack of exercise can result in a tingling sensation in the legs and feet and they may appear paler or feel colder more quickly. You can exercise your feet sitting at your desk by keeping your heels flat on the floor and lifting your toes off the ground. Repeat this five times for both feet. Alternatively, point your legs out straight in front of you and point your toes forward to exercise your legs and feet. Regular walking can also increase the blood flow to your legs.

Hand and Body Activities

Poor circulation in the hands may be caused by several underlying factors but there are some things you can do to help improve it. Simply wiggling your fingers and massaging your hands can increase blood flow to the area and improve movement. Yoga exercises are also good for overall circulation. Poses to try include the mountain pose, chair pose, downward facing dog and the shoulder stand. Beginners can start by sitting cross-legged and trying some deep breathing to reduce stress levels.

Head and Facial Circulation

A US study shows that regular aerobic exercise improves blood flow to the brain as well as memory in older people. Those of all ages can benefit from healthy blood circulation to the face and brain and you can adapt your exercise regime to accommodate this. Simple aerobic exercises you could try include,

• Walking
• Cycling
• Running
• Dancing

Massaging your face will help with circulation to this area coupled with aerobic exercise.

Adapting Your Diet

Dietary changes may be necessary to add to the above exercise regimes. Vitamin C, lycopene and omega-3 fatty acids all have properties which aid circulation and can be found in certain types of fruits, vegetables and fish. Should you feel you are not getting the foods you need, adding nutritional supplements to a healthy diet can help. This is particularly important if you are trying to improve an aspect of your health or if you do not eat certain types of food such as meat.

Blood circulatory problems can result in a number of associated problems; therefore, it is important to be proactive and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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