During the pandemic, the stressors in life have become amplified, leaving many at risk for cardiovascular disease. Previous research has shown that chronic stress and other negative factors can impact cardiovascular health. But a new study shows how being kind to oneself may help lower these risks.
The research published in Health Psychology found that middle-aged women who practiced self-compassion had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, irrespective of other traditional risk factors such as cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure.
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A lot of research has focused on studying how stress and other negative factors impact cardiovascular health, but this is one of the first to look at the association between positive psychological factors and cardiovascular disease. Researchers hope to show that self-compassion is more than just a passing fad.
Mindfulness practices such as mediation are gaining popularity among US adults who are exhausted from stressors at work and in their personal life. Many people have chosen to turn inward during the pandemic to help manage their moods and emotions.
The study consisted of 200 women between the ages of 45 and 67. All participants were required to complete a short survey asking them to rate how often they experience feelings of inadequacy, whether they often feel disappointed by their self-perceived flaws, or if they grant themselves caring and tenderness during difficult life moments.
The participants also had a diagnostic ultrasound of their carotid arteries – major vessels in the neck that carry the blood from the heart to the brain.
It was found that women who scored higher on the self-compassion scale had thinner carotid artery walls and less plaque buildup than those with lower self-compassion. These findings were linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. These outcomes persisted even when researchers controlled for behaviors that may influence cardiovascular disease outcomes such as smoking, depressive symptoms, and physical activity.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression can often accompany stress and may not only affect mental state, but it can also be a risk factor for other diseases and illnesses. Chronic stress can also affect heart health and brain function, so it is vital to practice self-compassion to help with mental and physical health.
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Along with self-compassion, it is vital to consume a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise. Getting the right amounts of essential vitamins and minerals is also critical in the management of overall health, especially in stressful times.
Bel Marra offers a variety of products that are formulated to help women through stressful times and offer support. The Smart Pill is formulated with 9 ingredients to help support, nourish, and maximize brain health and cognitive function.
To help keep the heart healthy, our Heart Resue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health, using a variety of ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, magnesium, and hawthorn extract.
As part of a self-compassion routine, be sure to take Heart Rescue and The Smart Pill to help reduce your risks of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
