To kick off September we celebrate National Labor Day, which honors America’s workers for their social and economic accomplishments. Their contributions to the country’s well-being remind us that we rely on each other to grow and succeed. Whether you’re employed or have a family to tend to, your health is important to those you love and want to be there for.
Don’t wait to start taking your health seriously! There’s no better time to start taking care of yourself for the longevity and quality of your life. We’ve put together some tips to help you take the first steps to a healthier heart and happier life—for you and your loved ones.
Protect Your Heart from Stress
Studies show that one in six people with heart disease experience myocardial ischemia, a reduction in blood flow to the heart when they experience mental stress. This can cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
The link between the heart and mental stress is believed to be due to irregularities in heartbeats because of the stress’ effect on the brain’s communication with the heart. Researchers believe that mental stress causes a disharmony between your heart and brain, also known as autonomic dysregulation. For people with heart disease, this can have serious repercussions.
Stress can have negative effects even for those without pre-existing conditions. For example, one study showed that people with depression or anxiety are 35% more at risk of having a major cardiac event such as a heart attack or stroke. People who are more genetically prone to stress developed heart risk factors 1.5 years earlier than those who did not.
Tips to Reduce Stress
It’s impossible to remove stressors entirely from daily life, but there are ways to take care of your mental health and protect your heart with these simple steps. The first and foremost being to consult with a professional to learn more about your heart’s current health.
Mental health is your emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It can determine how you cope with life’s stressors, how you relate to others, as well as decision-making skills. There are many ways that poor mental health can affect you, such as leading to high blood pressure, which can then result in life-threatening events such as a heart attack or stroke.
Practice Mindfulness
It’s important to prioritize stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of maintaining awareness of both your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in your body, along with external factors in your environment.
The goal is to view them with an accepting perspective without judgment of whether they’re “right” or “wrong.” Many studies on mindfulness practices have shown that it positively affects our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Including an improvement in relationships, memory, and focus.
Journal Your Thoughts & Emotions
Another method to de-stress from a difficult workday is to keep a journal to process your thoughts and emotions. Journaling about what is stressing you can help you release pent-up emotions you’re internalizing without fear of judgment from others. Simple prompts, such as writing about three things you’re wishing for, have been shown to reduce stress levels.
Putting your stressful thoughts down on paper can allow you to gain space from them. You’re able to express difficult emotions safely. Instead of having them bubble up to the surface when you least expect it. It can also help you plan the best course of action using something as simple as a pros and cons list.
Connect with Loved Ones
Set aside time to spend with family and friends. This can foster a support network and allow you to put things in perspective. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the daily grind of work and routine, that we forget what brings us joy.
Social interactions can help improve your mood and reduce stress. Studies show that having good friends is linked to better overall health. Schedule meet-ups with the people you love whenever you can. Your heart will thank you!
Take Time for Hobbies You Enjoy
Another way to de-stress is by engaging in activities that you enjoy and help you relax. For example, reading, painting, gardening, or any other hobby that you find fun. Even a short walk in nature can boost your health both physically and mentally.
Whether you’re in a rural setting or the middle of the city, find local parks or other green spaces to get away from the hustle and bustle. You can even bike or walk to the park to get some additional exercise.
If you’re unsure where to start with your de-stressing routine, try new hobbies and activities to see what works best for you!
World Heart Day on September 29th
In addition to Labor Day, this month we recognize the World Heart Federation’s “World Heart Day” on September 29th. It’s a day to recognize the importance of your heart health and a reminder to see a cardiologist for prevention. You’re never too young or too old, to begin taking care of your heart—it’s the most important gift you can give yourself.
Don’t wait! Take your heart health seriously this September by scheduling your routine checkup with a specialist today. Whether you feel great or have concerns, the sooner you check, the more likely you’ll improve the quality and longevity of your heart health.
