I challenge the notion that "you can't think yourself better" after a life-altering cardiac event. While it's crucial to acknowledge the trauma and negative emotions, we delve into the powerful connection between your mindset and your cardiac recovery.

We explore:

• The Nuance of Positive Thinking: It's not about being relentlessly positive, but understanding how your thoughts influence your feelings, actions, and behaviours.
• The Thought-Action Link: How a negative thought can derail your plans (like a rainy day stopping a walk) and how a shift in perspective can lead to positive actions.
• Changing Your Mindset Through Repetition: The simple yet powerful concept that consistently choosing a positive outlook can reshape your thinking, even in the face of trauma.

Practical Steps for a Positive Outlook:

• Recognising Triggers: Identifying when negative thoughts arise
• Reframing Thoughts: Actively choosing a positive interpretation (e.g., viewing an appointment as proactive care).
• Empowering Lifestyle Changes: Approaching diet and exercise with a positive mindset, seeing them as fuel and enjoyment, not deprivation or insurmountable tasks.
• Seeking Support: The importance of asking for help for habits like smoking cessation.

I offer encouragement and practical strategies for cultivating a positive mental attitude, empowering you to make sustainable lifestyle changes and reduce your cardiac risk factors.

Key Takeaways:

• Your mindset impacts your cardiac recovery and ability to make healthy lifestyle changes.
• It's okay to feel negative emotions, but don't let them dictate your actions.
• Changing your mindset is possible through consistent, positive reframing of thoughts.
• Small, positive choices (like reframing an appointment or starting a short walk) can lead to significant improvements.
• Positive mental attitude fuels positive actions, which in turn supports better heart health.

Resources Mentioned:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder vs Post-Traumatic Growth
• How to Help Yourself When Feeling Emotional After a Cardiac Event

Read the complete article here Podcast & Blog Page.

Getting to know Sallie Crawley
Survivorship after a heart attack or cardiac surgery can be challenging. You can rebuild the puzzle of your life and thrive. It takes one beat at a time and the support of people who have had similar experiences. You are not alone. Join me and other hearties in the My Heart & Mind Community, you'll get a warm welcome. You can also visit my website www.myheartandmind.co.uk.

Disclaimer
The information contained within my podcast and on my website is for general information purposes only. It is not official health advice and is not intended to be used as such. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk. If you have any questions relating to specific health concerns or you think you may be suffering from a medical condition, you must consult a medical professional immediately. You must also consult a medical professional before making any changes to your normal lifestyle habits. You can read my full disclaimer here.