So you or (your loved one) have been diagnosed with heart disease. It can be a very daunting diagnosis and the initial reactions are usually denial, anxiety grief and or depression. The may be feelings of “what is the point of living” or you may feel “this is the end, I can’t live a normal life”. The good news is: there are ways to live your life to the fullest, while at the same time improving your health and general wellbeing.

  1. Positive outlook: Our mental state affects the way our body reacts to illness. Having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the harmful health effects of stress on your body. Positive thinking means that you approach adversity in more positive way. You always look at the best case scenario, and it often starts with how you talk to yourself in your head, these thoughts can be positive or negative. Negative thoughts may arise from misconceptions that you create in your mind because of lack of information. The health benefits of positive thinking include: Increased life span, lower rates of depression, improved immunity, better cardiovascular health and reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease, better coping skills during hardships and times of stress. It’s also thought that positive and optimistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles — they get more physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don’t smoke or drink alcohol in excess.

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