When it comes to having a healthy heart, we know that exercising, having a healthy diet, and keeping up with our annual check-ups are all essential to reducing our risks of heart disease. What a lot of people don’t realize is the role our mental health can have on our hearts. Depression, anxiety, and changes in sleep or activity levels can trigger physical issues like raised blood pressure and disrupting heart rhythms. People experiencing depression may also find it harder to maintain their healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and routine medical care, which can further increase the risk of heart disease.
Here are a few tips for looking after your mental health and improving your heart health.
- Speak to your healthcare provider. Ask for their input on medicines and lifestyle changes to help you manage both conditions.
- Seek support and stay connected with family and friends.
- Prioritize a sense of calm. Breathing activities and journaling are a great start.
Supporting mental well-being is an important part of protecting our overall heart health. Let’s start taking care of our hearts in every way.