According to a new study, cardiac arrest survivors who learn to focus their attention on the present moment during recovery are less likely to feel unhappy or anxious, underscoring the mind-body connection.
The study focuses on the mental health practice of "mindfulness," which can be described as a "stop and smell the flowers" attitude to life.
"Mindfulness" is defined as "nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment" achieved through meditation or yoga.
It entails letting go of regrets about the past or anxieties about the future in favor of a present-focused approach.
For example, paying better attention to the flavor, texture, and fragrance of food could be one way to do so. "Or, if you're going on a walk outside, pay attention to the sights, sounds, and fragrances in your surroundings."
Even the American Heart Association (AHA) believes that doing so may have cardiovascular benefits, as evidenced by a scientific statement released earlier this year that emphasized its potential as a preventative technique for lowering stress and boosting well-being among heart patients.
"Depression and other mental health difficulties are extremely widespread even in long-term cardiac arrest survivors," says the study. In 2019, all of the patients took a mental health assessment to see if they have depression, anxiety, or PTSD. A year later, a second survey was done.
The study does not establish that mindfulness causes depression or anxiety to go away, merely that the two appear to be linked. Mindfulness has been identified as a potential treatment for cardiac arrest survivors, a group who suffers from chronic psychological issues." More robust study designs will be required in the future to investigate the potential protective role of mindfulness in cardiac arrest survivors."
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