Care For Your Heart and Your Mind

I heard cardiologist and journalist Dr. Sandeep Jauhar speak about his new book, Heart: A History. After recounting some fascinating stories about how the heart works and how our knowledge of heart disease (still the number one killer) has evolved, Dr. Jauhar made a startling acknowledgment. He said research is clearly showing that emotions such as grief and heartbreak have a biological impact, that “our capacity to transcend distress is a matter of life and death.”  

One study, he pointed out, showed that stress reduction had a greater impact on preventing heart disease than exercise, while others are establishing a clear connection between cardiac disease and depression/anxiety to the point that treating those conditions can help mitigate the cardiac illness.

If you are approaching retirement, consider Dr. Jauhar’s message. While your life will probably be slower when you stop working full time, the transition itself can be a challenge. Many of us also confront other, possibly unexpected, difficulties.  How do you cope with stress and emotional pain?    

A coach can help you develop healthy strategies to build inner strength of both heart and mind.