The important connection between mental health and heart health

We've all experienced the mind body connection before even if you didn't realize it at the time. From the sensation in the pit of your stomach when you have nerves, to the 'runner's high' you get after a great workout. Your body can often give you a lot of information that brain can't, and vice versa. Getting to know your body and how you feel in different situations is crucial when it comes to heart episodes. Many heart attack symptoms mirror those of an anxiety attack and can be misdiagnosed, especially in women. Trust your instincts and listen to your body. If what doctors are telling you isn't sitting well, get a second opinion. 

How the mind and brain connect to the overall health of our bodies

The mind and the brain is the first connection. We think of the mind as our thoughts, feelings, attitudes, beliefs, etc., either conscious or sub- conscious. The brain is an organ of the body and more like the hardware of the mind. The healthy brain is connected to all parts of the body and it’s systems - and connected to the mind. This connection begins what we see as body and mind in unison. 

What happens with our minds affects our bodies, and what happens with our bodies affects our mind. Paying attention to both makes good sense. This can work in the positive as well. We can work with our bodies to enhance our minds, and conversely, work with our minds to improve physical health.

As we see this more and more we see some mental illness “hurts.” We see this most clearly in cases of depression: energy, pain, headaches, eyesight and light sensitive, etc. -  a condition thought to be of the mind only. 

What can we do to improve the connection?

There is no shortage of options to try to help build a stronger mind and body connection. There are more traditional therapeutic options like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group therapy, guided meditation (and even prayer) and hypnosis. Additionally, there are things anyone can try at home like creative activies (painting, pottery, and any other types of art), yoga, Tai Chi, and many other forms of exercise. It doesn't need to be strenuous, it's just movement in general that may be most important. Any mindful practices can help build or restore that connection. 

How can we listen to our bodies to identify the physical signals that might indicate our mental health is wreaking havoc on our overall health?

Begin to identify the stress points in your own body including the sequence of physical responses. During an anxious moment, take note of the sensations in your body. How is the pace of your breath? Do a body scan and note which muscles are tense. Do you feel pain from an upset stomach or headache? Begin to know your body.

You can do this while in a positive mental state as well. When you find yourself having a great evening, pay attention to your body's response. Again, do a scan and you'll probably notice fewer or no tensions, no headache, an overall feeling of being lighter. You'll hopefully also experience laughter and smiling. These are all physical responses to your mind as well, and being aware of the full spectrum, whether positive or negative, is an important practice in being mindful.

February is Heart Month, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation is working to fill the research gap between men and women when it comes to heart health. To get involved, visit HeartandStroke.ca