A stroke can be a terrifying experience – it’s like a heart attack but in your brain, where the blood flow is interrupted. What’s worse is that your emotions can dramatically raise your risk for stroke. Researchers at the University of Minnesota studied over 6700 individuals and found:
- Feeling depressed increases your stroke risk by 86 percent.
- Continuous stress raises your stroke risk by 59 percent.
- Prolonged hostility doubles your chance of a stroke, a 100 percent increase.
Additionally, getting extremely angry can increase your chance of a heart attack by 500 percent. Researcher Susan Everson-Rose points out, “There’s such a focus on traditional risk factors — cholesterol levels, blood pressure, smoking and so forth — and those are all very important, but studies like this one show that psychological characteristics are equally important.”
Given this information, finding ways to alleviate your hostility, minimize depression, and manage stress can lower your chances of experiencing a stroke. Mainstream medicine may not have all the answers, as medications don’t always provide a comprehensive solution. Everson-Rose notes, “If someone is experiencing depressive symptoms or feeling a lot of stress or hostility, we don’t know how they manage those, so it’s possible that positive coping strategies could ameliorate some of these associations or effects. We did not inquire about coping.”
Understanding and Overcoming Fear
Dr. Michael Cutler suggests that the key to reducing anger and anxiety is recognizing that these emotions stem from fear. He explains that fear typically consists of false expectations appearing real, even though there are numerous possible outcomes and many of them are good.
Taking a deep breath and consciously focusing on the likelihood that everything will work out can cultivate a sense of peace. Each fearful thought can be replaced with positive thoughts, which in turn foster good feelings. These positive feelings can promote healing within your body.
Laughter and the Healing Process
Your body produces neurochemicals that contribute to healing processes, as well as endorphins to alleviate physical pain. Allowing yourself to laugh at your circumstances can reduce feelings of fear and even dissipate depression.
The Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation
One approach to mitigating stress and promoting positive thoughts is mindfulness meditation. Regular meditation practice can offer a wide range of benefits, such as reducing anxiety, curbing depression, and aiding in pain management. The best part? Anyone can practice mindfulness meditation – it’s a simple technique that only requires time and focus.
Seeking Professional Help
Sometimes, life can be overwhelming, and seeking help from professionals can be extremely beneficial. A qualified therapist can guide your journey to develop coping mechanisms against negative thoughts and emotions. They can provide support and insight, equipping you to overcome challenges and better manage stress.
Make Exercise a Priority
Physical activity has been proven to boost mental health by releasing feel-good hormones called endorphins. Engaging in regular exercise can help mitigate feelings of depression and anxiety. It’s important to find a physical activity that you enjoy, such as jogging, swimming, or dancing, and incorporate it into your daily routine.
Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep
Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining mental health. To improve the quality of your sleep, establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing pre-bedtime routine. Avoid caffeine and electronic devices before bedtime, as these are known to disrupt sleep cycles.
Incorporate Relaxation Techniques
Utilizing relaxation techniques in your daily life is an efficient way to reduce stress. Some popular methods include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and indulging in hobbies to divert your mind from stressors.
By recognizing the significance of mental well-being and taking steps to address emotional imbalances, you can reduce your risk for stroke and improve your overall health.
