Mental Health Notes

5 Ways to Take Care of Your Heart and Your Mind

by Alicia Sparks, NAMI Affiliation Leader on February 14th, 2008

It’s Theme Day time again here at the Science & Health Channel, and because February is American Heart Month, guess what we’re all buzzing about? That’s right - heart health! More specifically here at Mental Health Notes, heart health in relation to mental health.

Now, you may be wondering amongst yourselves, Heart health in relation to mental health? How do you plan to pull this one off, Alicia? It’s simple, really. Depending on what angle you look at it, heart health and mental health can actually go hand-in-hand.

In other words, you can take care of your heart and your brain at the same time. It’s true. Read on.

1. Don’t skimp on the Zzzs. Getting enough sleep helps both your brain and your heart wind down and rest during the night and function more properly throughout the day. And, did you know that not getting enough sleep can increase your risk for high blood pressure?
2. Get active. Exercise not only makes for a strong, healthy heart, but it also helps improve memory and concentration; helps decrease anxiety, frustration, and depression; and can boost your self-esteem and self-confidence! Too, exercise can help combat weight gain associated with psychiatric medication, and maintaining a healthy weight is always good for your blood pumper.
3. Watch your mouth. Rather, what you put in your mouth. Your body needs proper nutrition, and because your brain and your heart are very important body parts - well, you do the math :) And, proper nutrition goes right along with exercise in maintaining a healthy weight (see number two).
4. Call the vice squad. All your boozing, drugging, and nicotine-sucking is bad for your mental health and your heart health. Substance abuse puts stress on your heart and can even trigger the less desirable symptoms of mental illness (think mania, depression, and psychosis).
5. Manage your stress. Elevated stress levels can throw your entire body out of whack, and put additional stress on your body parts, including your heart and brain. Learn how to effectively manage your stress, such as using breathing exercises, practicing yoga, and avoiding stress triggers.

Do you have any more tips on how to manage both heart and mental health? Feel free to share! And, if any of these tips set your mind in motion about ways to better love yourself this Valentine’s Day, head over to the Love: It’s All In My Head Valentine’s Day Contest and enter!

For more information about heart health, visit/contact:

American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
(800) 242-8721
inquires@heart.org
www.americanheart.org

And don’t forget the excellent resource b5media offers - our very own RN Kendra James’ blog A Hearty Life!

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POSTED IN: Addiction, Anxiety Disorders, Current Affairs & News, Everyday Stress, Medications, Mood Disorders, No Prescription Needed, Personal Recovery Plan, Psychotic Disorders, Resources, Self-help, Sites of Interest, Sleep Disorders, Theme Days, Tips