When we think about heart health, we often focus on physical behaviors like diet, exercise, and medical screenings. While these remain important, research increasingly shows that how we relate to ourselves emotionally also plays a meaningful role in both mental and physical wellbeing. Self-compassion, or responding to yourself with kindness during difficulty, can support heart health from the inside out.

During American Heart Month, it’s worth highlighting that caring for your heart includes caring for the way you respond to stress and emotional pain.