How managing your emotions can save your heart.
It’s no surprise that February is “heart” month; from the hearts and flowers of Valentine’s Day to the focus on promoting heart health and reducing heart disease. When it comes to understanding heart health, it’s crucial to understand the connection between the emotional and the physical state of the heart.
A 2016 article by the Harvard Medical School highlights the intimate connection between the two and concludes, “Managing Your Emotions Can Save Your Heart.”
I COULDN’T AGREE MORE.
One of the best ways to safeguard the health of your physical heart is to have an emotional heart check-up.
Too often we wait until our emotional heart is bruised, wounded or broken before seeking the counsel of a professional. The impact of unmanaged emotional stress on heart health (and many health issues) is well known and documented. So why do we wait until our emotional state has taken such a toll?
What would it be like to have an emotional health check-up as often as you have a physical health check-up? Why not take your emotional temperature with someone who can help you spot symptoms of dis-ease before they interrupt your life?
As a therapist I welcome and encourage these kinds of check-ups with my clients. It may be one session to brush up on stress management practices, a couple of sessions for a “tune-up,” or occasionally something more long term.
I believe that regular emotional health check-ups would eliminate a lot of unnecessary emotional pain and suffering, that leads to physical pain and suffering. I look forward to a time when seeing a therapist for a check-up will be as common as going to the dentist.
Not sure if you need to see a therapist? That’s a perfect time to go! I’ve often had the opportunity to reassure someone that they’re managing well and going through a normal life experience. A professional perspective can go along way to encourage you and ease your mind.
I hope you’re getting the idea that you don’t have to wait until something dire happens in your life to see your counselor or therapist. Make taking care of your emotional heart part of your heart-healthy lifestyle, along with healthy eating, regular exercise and positive relationships.
Wishing you a whole, happy heart,
Pam