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Inner Peace Good for Heart and Soul |
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Recently, I had a phone conversation with a female relative who chronicled her physical and emotional struggles of the past several years. In vivid detail she recounted her feelings of anger toward her sister, resentment toward her mother and dissatisfaction with her life in general. This was followed by a report on how her blood pressure was increasing despite no changes in her weight, diet or exercise level. She then asked, “What do you think could be causing my blood pressure to go up?” Initially I thought that she must have been joking because the answer seemed so obvious, but she honestly didn’t see a connection between the state of her mind and the state of her body. My explanation about the role that chronic anger, hostility, resentment and pessimism play in contributing to heart disease and stroke was met with silence. I am sure that she was questioning the value of my advice.
Most people can cite at least a few of the traditional risk factors of heart disease such as weight, nutrition, activity level, smoking, blood pressure and blood sugar. However, one risk factor that is frequently overlooked is our emotions. Research demonstrates that feelings of depression, anger, hostility, pessimism and social isolation are linked to heart disease and stroke, as well as a myriad of other ailments. These detrimental emotions exert dire consequences on the heart by triggering the release of body chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol, which in turn raise blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight. When it comes to matters of the heart, a little peace and calm go a long way. Throw in a pinch of optimism and forgiveness and you have the recipe for a happy heart-physically and emotionally.
Cultivating inner tranquility isn’t always easy in today’s world, but with some effort you can attain it. Try these three suggestions for strengthening your heart and soul.
· Practice relaxation strategies. Deep breathing techniques, guided imagery, meditation and listening to soothing music are all effective ways of managing the chaos of daily living. Not only does this translate into lower blood pressure, but it’s an enjoyable way to rid mild anxiety, anger and frustration. Carving out 15 minutes daily to devote to relaxing will preserve your sanity as well as your heart health.
· Examine your purpose in life. Are you happy with your life? Would you describe it as rewarding? If not, what do you need to change in order to be more content? Each of us has been endowed with gifts to share with the world in order to improve the lives of others as well as our own. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t have the luxury of eternity to determine our purpose in life. Begin by thinking about what is truly important to you and what direction you want your life to take. Then, do what is necessary to get on your chosen path. Once you live your life in accordance with your beliefs and values, your will feel fulfilled and your life will be abundantly richer. · Nurture your relationships. Do you have a vast network or supportive relationships in your life or are you more of a loner who doesn’t interact with people in a meaningful way? The answer to this question could mean the difference between wellness and illness.
People who feel a sense of interconnectedness to other people, pets and the world around them are happier, healthier and hardier. In fact, according to large-scale research, social isolation is considered an independent risk factor for heart disease as well as most major causes of death. These studies serve as a reminder that people, not things, are the most important part of our lives. Cultivating satisfying relationships and expanding our social network not only foster a sense of belonging, but also further our longevity. As a society, Americans are now enjoying the highest standard of living ever. But at what cost? We spend more time working, we interface with computers more than we interact with people, we are constantly in a hurry and we have too many items on our “to do” list. As a result, we are sacrificing our physical and emotional well-being.
Remember, peace of mind leads to peace of body. Do yourself a favor and listen to what your body is telling you. Your inner wisdom is definitely worth taking to heart.
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