Self-centred people were once disparaged as being part of the ‘me’ generation, but a bit of self-love really is good for you, and that’s especially true if you’re a woman.
Women who practise a little TLC on themselves reduce their chances of developing cardiovascular disease. Their artery walls are healthier and they have less plaque build-up, one of the early indicators of heart disease, than women who just ‘got on with it’.
A group of 200 women, aged between 45 and 67, were asked to rate how often they had feelings of inadequacy or felt disappointed about themselves. Those who showed the greatest amount of self-compassion had the healthiest arteries, according to ultrasound scans.
Women are usually the primary carers who focus on the family, especially during the Covid pandemic, say researchers from the University of Pittsburgh. That’s why it’s even more important for them to find some time for themselves, said lead researcher Rebecca Thurston.
As well as a bit of self-love, practising techniques such as mindfulness could help them maintain good heart health.
(Source: Health Psychology, 2021; 40: 747)
