During the pandemic, the stressors in life have become amplified, leaving many at risk for cardiovascular disease. Previous research has shown that chronic stress and other negative factors can impact cardiovascular health. But a new study shows how being kind to oneself may help lower these risks. The research published in Health Psychology found that middle-aged women who practiced self-compassion had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, irrespective of other traditional risk factors such as cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure. A lot of research has focused on studying how stress and other negative factors impact cardiovascular health, but this is one of the first to look at the association between positive psychological factors and cardiovascular disease. Researchers hope to show that self-compassion is more than just a passing fad. Mindfulness practices such as mediation are gaining popularity among US adults who are exhausted from stressors at …