Research has highlighted the profound impact of anxiety, stress, and depression on physical health, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The American Heart Association, a leading nonprofit organization devoted to heart and brain health, has recognized a strong link between the mind, heart, and body in its scientific statement, “Psychological Health, Well-Being, and the Mind-Heart-Body Connection.”
Volunteer chair of the statement writing committee, Dr. Glenn N. Levine, emphasized, “Research has clearly shown that negative psychological factors, personality traits, and mental health disorders can adversely affect cardiovascular health. The body’s response to stress, anxiety, and other forms of poor mental health can manifest physically through irregular heart rates, increased blood pressure, and overall inflammation in the body. Negative psychological health is also associated with unhealthy behaviors that heighten the risk of heart disease and stroke, such as smoking, insufficient physical activity, poor diet, obesity, and non-compliance with prescribed medications.”
Studies indicate that certain groups, including people of color, may face a greater risk of poor health outcomes due to chronic stress, depression, and anxiety related to psychosocial stressors, particularly those stemming from social and economic inequality, discrimination, systemic racism, and other societal factors. For instance, a study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” revealed that U.S. adults who reported experiencing significant discrimination at work were at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those who reported lower levels of discrimination at work.
“Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being,” Levine stated. “It influences our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Practicing mindfulness in various forms enables us to be more aware of and have better control over emotional responses to daily life experiences.”
Here are some tips from Dr. Levine to enhance your mind-heart-body connection:
- Regularly engage in meditation or simple mindfulness activities, such as spending time in nature or practicing deep breathing exercises.
- Ensure you get adequate and restful sleep by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and minimizing electronic device usage before bedtime.
- Foster connections and stay connected with family and friends, and seek opportunities to meet new people through engaging activities.
- Participate in mindful movements like yoga or Tai chi, which can be done anywhere without special equipment, to soothe your mind and muscles.
- Spend time with your pets, as research suggests that companion animals may reduce physiological reactions to stress and support increased physical activity.
- Engage in regular physical activity, striving for 150 minutes of moderate activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of both each week, to alleviate tension, anxiety, and depression while experiencing the benefits of exercise.
Dr. Levine emphasized, “Wellness is not just the absence of disease; it is an active process that leads to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. By striving to reduce negative aspects of psychological health, we promote an overall positive and healthy state of being.”
To learn more about heart health, visit heart.org.
