Spreading kindness on Valentine’s Day—and year-round

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Today, I want to share a heart-warming message.

It’s something I think about often—and I encourage you to do the same…

Be kind to yourself. And treat yourself with the same care and patience you would show to anyone you love.

After all, this simple act of grace offers tremendous health benefits…

Give yourself a “break”

A recent study found that middle-aged women who practice self-compassion have a lower risk of heart disease—independent of key factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and perhaps even Lp(a) levels!

For this study, nearly 200 women (ages 45 to 67) completed a questionnaire ranking their self-compassion. For example, how often did they feel inadequate or disappointed in themselves—versus being caring and tender toward themselves.

Researchers also performed ultrasounds on the participants’ carotid arteries—the major vessels that carry blood from your heart to your brain.

Ultimately, women who scored higher in self-compassion had:

• Less plaque build-up
• A lower risk of heart attack and stroke

Wow! Isn’t it exciting to see how the power of positive psychology and mindfulness can go to work for your body—and your heart, specifically?

Matters of the heart

It’s not unusual to feel exhausted and overwhelmed—especially for women. (Research from across the globe shows that women still shoulder most of the caregiving burden for children and older relatives.)

And I understand why it’s easy for feelings of self-doubt to creep in.

But let me be clear: Stress takes a toll on your heart.

So, if something as simple as self-compassion can protect your heart and boost your mood, why not make it a goal to be kind to yourself, starting today, on Valentine’s Day?

Embrace optimism and mindfulness. Try mind-body exercises like meditation and yoga—or simply take a walk or sit in a calm and quiet space…

After all, managing stress often starts from within.

The truth is, you can’t care for others if you don’t care for yourself first.

What will you start doing to be kind to yourself? Leave me a comment on Facebook—or send me an email: [email protected].

Source:

“Women who practice self-compassion are at lower risk of cardiovascular disease: Practicing kindness is good for your body.” Science Daily, 12/16/2021. (sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211216150034.htm)