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- Previous studies have shown that self-compassion has mental health benefits.
- A study looked at how the practice of self-compassion translates to physical health.
- Middle-aged women who adopt self-compassion are less likely to experience heart-related conditions in their later years.
Women who practise self-compassion have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, even with risk factors such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance and cholesterol levels.
A study published in Health Psychology aimed to find out the physical benefits of self-compassion.
The researchers defined self-compassion as a positive psychological construct characterised by extending compassion toward oneself, often during periods of suffering. This includes mindfulness practices like meditation.
The researchers enrolled 195 women aged between 45 and 67. The participants filled out a survey to rate how often they experience feelings of inadequacy, whether they often feel disappointed by their self-perceived flaws or give themselves caring and tenderness during difficult life moments.
The women also received a standard diagnostic ultrasound of their major neck vessels that carry blood from the heart to the brain.
Mindfulness is good for heart health
The study found that practising self-compassion is associated with a lower heart-related risk in middle-aged women.
"A lot of research has been focused on studying how stress and other negative factors may impact cardiovascular health, but the impact of positive psychological factors, such as self-compassion, is far less known," said co-author Dr Rebecca Thurston in a press statement.
The findings show that women with higher scores on the self-compassion scale had thinner carotid artery walls and less plaque buildup than those with lower self-compassion. Those with higher self-compassion have been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases – such as heart attacks and strokes years later.
"These findings underscore the importance of practising kindness and compassion, particularly towards yourself. We are all living through extraordinarily stressful times, and our research suggests that self-compassion is essential for both our mental and physical health," Thurston said.
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