In a new book, a doctor argues that mindfulness and positive emotions boost the health of the heart

Our hearts are sensitive to our emotional states, responding in ways that can significantly impact our overall health. Since the 1960s, research on the mind-heart connection has focused on the negative impacts of stress-related emotions and “heart breakers.” Since the rise of Positive Psychology in the 1990s, mind-heart scientists have focused on the effect of more positive, expansive, and pro-social emotions on heart health. I call this collection of human emotions the “heart wakers.”

“Heart wakers,” a term I coined, refers to emotions and traits that awaken the metaphorical heart, which is vital in enhancing heart health and overall well-being. These emotions “wake” and lift the spirit, encouraging a shift out of our routine, automatic state of living. These include gratitude, optimism, kindness, generosity, joy, laughter, purpose, compassion, and love. It’s important to emphasize that these heart- waking emotions are not reserved for those naturally born with these tendencies. These skills can be learned and cultivated.

By reducing stress and promoting joy and calm, these emotions help quiet the nerve signals and hormones related to heart symptoms and diseases to stimulate other emotions that promote healing, health, and happiness. This chapter explores the evidence supporting the benefits of these powerful, health-promoting emotions.

From the beginning,...

Read more