Just thinking about your other half can 'help regulate blood pressure and cut stress'

Psychologists say it works as effectively as having your significant other in a room with you.

The researchers asked 102 participants, all in romantic relationships, to complete a stressful task involving submerging one foot into cold water.

Their blood pressure, heart rate and variation in heart rate was measured before during and after the task.

They were then separated into three groups with one told to think of their lover while conducting the task.

Another group sat with their partner in the room, but remaining silent during the task.

The third control group was told to think of their day as they carried out the task.

The group who had their partner present in the room or who were told to think about their partner were less stressed – with lower blood pressure recordings – than those in the control group thinking about their day.

Those thinking about their partner as a source of support had less stressful response than those thinking about their day.

The effect on lowering blood pressure reactivity, which showed reduced stress levels, was just as powerful whether the partner was physically present or simply being thought about.

Kyle Bourassa, at the University of Arizona, US, said: “This suggests being in a romantic relationship might support health.”

“It appears that thinking of your partner as a source of support can be just as powerful as actually having them present.”

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]

Source: Read Full Article