February, known as the month of love and compassion, offers an opportunity to honor and prioritize heart health. While the heart symbolizes love, the phrase “a broken heart” emphasizes the emotional intricacies tied to the heart. Interestingly, these sentiments of affection or heartache are not from the physical heart but from the intricate workings of the brain. This prompts us to ponder the profound connection between our emotional well-being and the health of our cardiovascular system.
Happiness, optimism, gratitude, having a sense of purpose, life satisfaction, and mindfulness are all characteristics of positive emotional well-being. Working on our emotional well-being can have a significant impact on maintaining the physical health of our bodies. When our mind maintains a state of psychological wellness, it works to do many important things to keep us healthy. Blood pressure can be lowered, blood glucose levels can be better controlled, less inflammation will be present throughout the body, and cholesterol levels can be reduced. All of these can lead to having and maintaining heart health.
When emotional well-being is present, we often find ourselves naturally inclined to work toward living a healthier lifestyle, sometimes without even being aware of it. When someone experiences gratitude and a sense of purpose, they may feel motivated to stop smoking and reduce their alcohol intake. The need for these unhealthy habits may become less significant when their emotional well-being is prioritized. The urge to engage in regular physical activity and opt for healthier food choices may naturally become integrated into their daily routine.
When feeling down, there are numerous ways to uplift the mind back into a state of well-being. One of the easiest ways to brighten your mood is to simply take the time to go outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine can be invigorating, boosting energy levels. Simply going for a walk and moving our muscles releases hormones that can naturally lower stress levels. If going for a walk isn’t physically possible, simply sitting outside and soaking up the sun can still have a positive impact on your mood. This exposure also provides the body with the essential vitamin D our bodies require. A non-physical activity that can be done while outside is meditation. Meditation is a state of mental clearness and emotional calmness, promoting relaxation and well-being.
Feeling a sense of purpose and satisfaction with life is crucial for emotional well-being. Joining an organization, whether it be church, volunteering, or starting a new job, can all contribute to finding that sense of purpose and fulfillment in life. Starting a new hobby, joining a gym, or making time to spend with friends and family can also be fulfilling and can leave you with gratitude and that sense of purpose. When these are achieved our mind is in that state of psychological wellness that is so beneficial to our bodies.
Each February we take the opportunity to reassess how we can enhance our heart health. While many immediately consider adjusting their diet to include heart-healthy foods and engaging in some form of physical activity, it’s essential to recognize the significant role emotional well-being plays in heart health. A state of emotional well-being often fosters healthy eating habits and exercise routines, making it just as crucial, if not more so, in maintaining a healthy heart. Let us acknowledge the importance of prioritizing our brain health to fully comprehend how to effectively maintain the well-being of our precious, life-sustaining heart.
Written by Erin Hunchman RN BSN
2/12/2024
With 27 years of experience as a dedicated Registered Nurse, Erin Hunchman, RN, BSN, brings a wealth of expertise across diverse specialties including Women’s Health, Labor and Delivery, NICU, Peri anesthesia, Orthopedics, Bariatrics, and Mental Health. Erin has had the privilege of serving as a Clinical Instructor at Bellarmine University, her alma mater. She is dedicated and passionate about sharing her medical and clinical knowledge with a wider audience through her writing. Bringing Justice Home is delighted to have Erin on our team of awesome volunteers.
References
How Our Emotions Affect Our Heart Health
https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/03/emotions-heart-health/
Mental Health and Heart Health
Emotions and Heart Health
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=134&ContentID=165
So true. As a senior citizen I see many elders who refuse to reach out to and join social activities. Without interaction they tend to sit most days becoming lonely and depressed. Our mental health controls my life
ReplyDeleteYou nailed it dude, we write similar at multivit.us
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