Angus has regularly attended his Cardiac Rehabilitation classes. He has been practising the techniques he was taught on managing anxiety and using relaxation therapy. He has also been pacing himself and gradually returning to work. He continues to have good support from his family and girlfriend and is more open to talking about how he is coping.
Pulse point
Becoming more physically active promotes psychological wellbeing and has a positive impact on quality of life after an MI. The psychological benefits include:
- Improved mood
- Reduced stress as well as an improved ability to cope with stress
- Improved self esteem
- Improved body image
- Improved sleep pattern and increased energy levels
- Improved confidence in physical capabilities
- Reduced levels of anxiety and depression
As people experience these positive benefits, their motivation to continue to be physically active improves. Although short term benefits are apparent after as little as a short walk, longer term increases in physical activity patterns are necessary to optimise the therapeutic benefits.
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