Healthy eating and exercise are key to good heart health, but reducing anxiety and stress is good for the heart, too. If you’re struggling with stress from anger or restless nights, VA has tools and training to help you.

For example, VA’s free online course, Anger & Irritability Management Skills (AIMS), is a self-help program for Veterans that you can do at your own pace. If you’re not sure if the AIMS web program can work for you, first take this simple “yes” or “no” 2-minute quiz.

Here’s what you can learn from AIMS:

  • A bad temper is not a permanent personality trait. Change is possible.
  • How to control your reactions and get along better with others.
  • Deep breathing skills that can help you calm down.
  • A better understanding of what triggers your anger.

Did you know that a lack of sleep can also have a negative effect on your heart health? Not getting enough sleep can lead to higher blood pressure and risk of heart disease.​ If you you’re having trouble sleeping, VA offers another self-help course called Path to Better Sleep.

This program offers tools that can help you form healthier sleep habits and improve your sleep quality.

The path to better sleep:

  • If you need some simple tips improve your sleep, check out Sleep 101.
  • To figure out what your sleep problems can mean, use Sleep Check-up.
  • If you know you have insomnia, Path to Better Sleep has a CBT-i course.
  • To log your rest activity, use VA’s Sleep Diary.
  • If you’re struggling with Sleep Apnea, VA offers a new resource.

Don’t take your heart for granted. Check out these resources to help you stay heart healthy. And contact your VA health care provider for assistance with your physical and mental health needs.

Dr. Carolyn Greene is the national manager of Web-Based Self-Help for VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

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One Comment

  1. Alonzo Thomas Sr. February 17, 2021 at 01:21

    I need helped with finding right program for home repairs. My home was build in 1912 and brought it in 2004 and I been trying maintain my home and take care my family at same time. February 25 1999 my wife passed away from asthmatic attacked and I been dealing with depression from her pressing and raising our children.and helped them reach beyond high education. The houses in diner repairs from windstorm that left wind and water damage as well. There are hold in the roof and the possibility of mobile and damaged in the house to the wiring and suggestion is to repair the roof and and guttering the house complete out and complete renovation to the house.

    [Editor: Alonzo, with VA’s Cash-Out Refinance Loan, you can pull equity from your house for debt, repairs, etc. Here’s more info: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-types/cash-out-loan/ ]

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