Are you someone who often ignores how you feel? Do you brush aside your emotions or convinced yourself that they are not important? Many people today operate under the belief that feelings are irrelevant to daily life.

However, did you know that ignoring your feelings could be dangerous to your health? Specifically, it could increase your risk of stroke; one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, either because of a blockage or due to the rupture of a blood vessel.

As a result, brain cells are starved of oxygen and begin to die off, which can lead to permanent brain damage or even death.

Strokes can occur to anyone, but some people tend to be at higher risk than others.

What are the risk factors for stroke?

Some of the risk factors for stroke include:.

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Smoking
Obesity
Lack of exercise
Family history
Age (over 55)

While some of these risk factors are uncontrollable, such as family history and age, others can be improved through lifestyle changes.

What does this have to do with emotions?

It turns out that ignoring your emotions can also be a risk factor for stroke. According to research by Dr. Robert G.

Robinson of the University of Iowa College of Medicine, people who suppress their emotions are more likely to have a stroke than those who express their feelings.

The study, which followed over 2,800 people between the ages of 25-74, found that those who suppressed their anger were six times more likely to have a stroke than those who found healthy ways to express it.

Additionally, those who tended to suppress other emotions, such as anxiety or depression, were also at higher risk for stroke.

How do emotions affect stroke risk?

One theory is that suppressing emotions leads to chronic stress, which can increase inflammation in the body and contribute to the development of various health conditions, including stroke.

When we suppress our emotions, our bodies still experience the physiological effects of those emotions, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

If we don’t find a way to discharge those emotions, they can build up over time and cause damage to our bodies.

Additionally, when we don’t allow ourselves to feel and express our emotions, we miss out on the physical and mental benefits that come with emotional processing.

Studies have shown that expressing emotions can help reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen social connections.

What can you do?

If you tend to suppress your emotions, there are steps you can take to reduce your stroke risk.

Practice emotional mindfulness. Start paying attention to how you feel throughout the day, and allow yourself to experience those emotions without judgment or suppression.
Learn healthy ways to express your emotions. This might include journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or engaging in creative activities like art or music.
Reduce stress in your life. This might include practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, or finding ways to simplify your schedule or responsibilities.
Make healthy lifestyle choices. This includes things like eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

By taking care of your emotional health, you can reduce your risk of stroke and increase your overall well-being.

The Bottom Line

Ignoring your feelings can be dangerous to your health, increasing your risk of stroke among other conditions. Instead, learn healthy ways to express your emotions and reduce stress in your life.

By taking care of your emotional health, you can enhance your overall well-being and reduce your risk of stroke.