Today’s world is full of stressors. Many people lead hectic lives that leave little room for downtime and deliberately promote mental health. Dealing with difficult bosses and coworkers, not to mention annoying riders on the morning train or road rage on the commute to work, can lead to you starting off the day feeling agitated. And with the busy lives that define modern society, many people do not have the time to grieve and process the losses that they experience, leading to depression that can become chronic. Some agitation, sadness, and frustration may not be a problem. However, according to Health.com, is that over time, these unpleasant feelings can damage your heart health. In fact, people who internalize their anger may actually have a higher risk of heart disease.

To prioritize your heart health, you need to take some time to promote your own mental health. This may mean taking an evening a week to go out with friends and calling family members that do not live nearby. A healthy and meaningful social life can actually serve to protect your heart from problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke!

Do you live in an area where connecting with others is complicated? Look for meet-up groups that you can join or join virtual groups to communicate with people worldwide. Are you really are struggling with anger, hostility, or depression? You may want to talk to a professional who can help you work through those feelings healthily and productively. Furthermore, remember that sometimes, laughter is the best medicine! Never underestimate the power of watching a funny movie with someone you love. You can do that even if you are streaming it and watching it together from a distance.