In a new study from the University of Pittsburgh, researchers found middle-aged women who practiced self-compassion had a lower risk of developing heart disease irrespective of high blood pressure, insulin resistance and cholesterol levels.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, are gaining popularity among U.S. adults.
Exhausted from a barrage of stressors at work and in their personal life, people increasingly choose to turn inward to help manage their moods and emotions.
Practicing mindfulness and self-compassion is a tool that counselors and clinical psychologists often suggest to clients who are dealing with chronic stress.
These techniques have been shown to be effective for managing anxiety, irritability and even mild depression.
In the study, the team tested almost 200 women between ages 45 and 67.
The women completed a short questionnaire asking them to rate how often they experience feelings of inadequacy, whether they often feel disappointed by their self-perceived flaws or if they grant themselves caring and tenderness during difficult life moments.
The women also received a standard diagnostic ultrasound of their carotid arteries—major vessels in the neck that carry the blood from the heart to the brain.
The scientists found that women who scored higher on the self-compassion scale had thinner carotid artery walls and less plaque buildup than those with lower self-compassion.
These indicators have been linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes years later.
The results persisted even when the researchers controlled for behaviors and other psychological factors such as physical activity, smoking and depressive symptoms.
These findings underscore the importance of practicing kindness and compassion, particularly toward yourself.
The team says people are all living through extraordinarily stressful times, and the research suggests that self-compassion is essential for both our mental and physical health.
If you care about heart attack risk, please read studies about drug combo that may reduce your risks of heart attack and stroke, and findings of diabetes drug that could revolutionize heart failure treatment.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about eating plan that can boost your heart health, and results showing that these common painkillers may harm your heart and kidneys.
The study is published in Health Psychology. One author of the study is Rebecca Thurston, Ph.D.
Copyright © 2021 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
