8 affirmations to support your heart health during moments of crisis

By Vivian Nunez

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These simple statements will help you pause before you spiral.

Do you feel your heart tighten or race when a problem lands on your doorstep? If so, you're not alone. Mental stress and physical symptoms are often connected, and when you’re working on your heart health, taking care of any problems that arise in your life may mean pausing and caring for your emotional health first.

We know it isn’t always easy to take those moments of pause, especially when stressful moments or problems feel like an emergency. We want to help support you as you carve out that time to quiet your mind so you don’t upset your heart.

Below are eight health affirmations that can help ground you in those stressful moments.

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“I can pause and take a few deep breaths before problem-solving.”

Saying out loud that you have time to take a few deep breaths can be the cue your body needs to relax and settle your heartbeat.

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“I am capable of managing any problem.”

Often, our biggest fear isn’t just the problem at hand but the belief that we can’t rise to the occasion. Gently remind yourself of all the past times you’ve solved problems and how you can tap into that experience for this moment.

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“I am allowed to put my health first.”

You may have just started on your healthy heart journey, or you may be years into it. No matter how long it’s been, you’re always allowed to put your health and well-being first.

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“I can ask for help, no matter how small or big a problem is.”

One way to minimize stress is to remember that you don’t have to navigate life or work’s biggest challenges alone. In moments of crisis, take a few minutes to jot down a short list of people who you can tap for support.

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“I can solve this problem one baby step at a time.”

Problems come in all shapes and sizes, and so do the solutions we use to fix them. Write a permission slip for yourself that allows you to solve the problem one baby step at a time.

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“I need to put my oxygen mask on first.”

As we mentioned above, don’t feel discouraged or ashamed by your need to prioritize your health and well-being in times of crisis. In life, like on planes, we all need to put our oxygen masks on before we can help anyone else (or solve any problems).

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“I am allowed to seek expert support.”

In addition to turning to friends and family who may be able to help you navigate a problem, gently remind yourself that there are experts who can help you find solutions, too. You can turn to clergy, therapists, or even mentors at work, depending on your problem and available resources.

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“I trust myself.”

One of the most calming thoughts may be “I trust myself” because it reminds every part of your mind and body that you can handle whatever you’re confronted with. These subtle cues can help lower your heart rate and increase your self-confidence.

No matter which affirmations for heart health you turn to, the goal isn’t to solve your problem instantly or eradicate all stress. Your goal is simply to find a path towards a clearer mind and a calmer heart. For more on supporting your heart health, listen to our Calm Health: Living with Heart Disease: A Guide for How to Thrive clinical program.

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Calm Health is not intended to diagnose or treat depression, anxiety, or any other mental or physical health condition. The use of Calm Health is not a substitute for care by a physician or other health care provider. Any questions that you may have regarding the diagnosis, care, or treatment of a health condition should be directed to your physician or health care provider. Calm Health is a mental wellness product.