In regards to women’s health, breast and cervical cancer get the lion’s share of media coverage, with women being directed to breast self-exams, mammograms and PAP smears as means of disease prevention. While these are certainly very important aspects of women’s health, the fact remains that heart disease is still the number one killer among American women. And oftentimes, negative emotions can impact heart health and lead to cardiac problems in the future. Below are four ways to detox the heart, and to control emotions like anger, anxiety or depression that can lead to long-term health issues.
1. Treat Depression
If signs or symptoms of depression (changes in appetite or sleeping, crying jags or decreased emotional control or feelings of hopelessness) last for more than 2 weeks, it is very important to talk to a physician and come up with a plan of care to begin treating this condition. There are several treatment options available, including professional therapy and use of prescribed antidepressants. If a more natural approach is desired, regular exercise to release endorphins and lift the mood as well as supplements like 5-HTP or St. John’s Wort may be good options to pursue.
2. Manage Anger
It is still not considered socially acceptable for women to express their anger through actions like shouting or direct physical action, so women’s anger often gets expressed through sarcasm or passive-aggression. However the anger is being expressed, it is not conducive to heart health. Anger management is a good way to help process these emotions. Analyzing the cause of the anger, the importance of the issue at hand, and what possible actions can be taken to change the situation are all good ways to take the sting out of this emotion.
3. Ease Anxiety
Stress and worry are part of everyone’s life, but the part of the brain called the amygdala, which acts as a sort of alarm system for the body, amplifies the instinct to worry for women, especially during their childbearing years. Stress is another factor which has been strongly linked to heart disease, so learning to calm anxiety is another great way to “detox” emotionally. Deep breathing, disciplines like yoga or tai chi, meditation and regular light exercise are all ways to help calm anxiety.
4. Connection with Others
Multiple studies have shown that when someone is socially isolated or lonely, these feelings can increase high blood pressure and weaken the immune system, both of which can have a potential negative effect on the heart. Keeping up with family and friends, joining a club or organization, and getting a pet are all healthy ways to avoid these negative feelings.
Stress, anxiety, anger and depression are all emotions that nearly everyone feels at one point or another in their lives. While the emotions are part of the human condition and cannot be avoided entirely, learning at least how to manage them when they do come along is a powerful tool in keeping the heart both healthy and happy.
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