Physical training helps improve willpower

Willpower is the same as muscle strength. Some people have more than others. But people can fully increase their willpower by practicing.

While people are born with a natural ability to control themselves, we can all learn how to improve our will, said study author Suzanne Segerstrom at the University of Kentucky, USA.

Researchers hypothesize that the variability of one's heart rate - the ability of the heart to be sensitive and respond to changing needs - may be a way to estimate will or strength to control yourself . They think that the greater the variation in heart rate, the higher the willpower. Both are related to the parasympathetic nervous system, so factors affecting this trait also affect the other trait.

(Photo: ABC Online) Researchers have asked 168 college students to fast for 3 hours, then put them in front of a plate of carrots, biscuits and chocolate. Some people are required to eat only biscuits and chocolates, others only eat carrots. Finally, those who participated in solving some word puzzles, including those without answers.

Heart rate variability was high in those who ate carrots compared to those who ate cookies and chocolate. This shows that they have mobilized will to restrain themselves.

And those who eat carrots also surrender faster than word puzzles compared to those who eat cookies and chocolate. This proves that they have used more willpower in their quest for food. Those with the highest heart rate variability at the beginning of the study were also the longest patient with the puzzle.

While the muscles tell us when we are tired, we don't have any warning signs when strength restricts itself. A normal person will not be able to measure his or her heart rate to know his or her risk of temptation.

But this method will help those who have problems controlling alcohol and cigarettes. People can also increase their willpower by exercising physically to increase heart muscle health and to train the brain to do what needs to be done.

MT