The feelings you get after a breakup are indescribable. Heart is broken, tears come to your eyes every now and then, you do not want to drink, or eat, and in general, honestly, do not want anything. Scientists say: this condition is very dangerous for health. But how to deal with your emotions? A new study published in the journal Neuroscience has found that the well-known placebo effect may help reduce the negative effects of experience on the body.
In a study, scientists asked 40 volunteers who had recently broken up with their significant other to bring a photo of their ex-boyfriend to a brain imaging lab. Participants' brain activity was monitored with a magnetic resonance imaging machine while they were shown pictures and subjected to a little physical pain (using a hot stimulus on their left arm). Researchers found that areas of the brain reacted in the same way when participants experienced physical pain and pain from an overwhelming experience. Yes, no one else has the right to call you a "drama queen"-your pain is not contrived, it's real!
Then each participant was given a nasal spray. Half were told it was a "powerful analgesic effective in reducing emotional pain," and the other half were told the truth – it was a simple saline solution. When subjects returned to the car to repeat the first part of the experiment, the "placebo" group experienced less physical pain and felt better emotionally than the group who knew the whole truth.
Based on the results of the study, scientists have concluded: to survive the pain of the breakup and forget about the ex is real! It's enough to fool yourself into believing that everything is great in your life. It can be done easily and simply in 3 steps:
- Wipe away the tears.
- Arrange to meet up with friends.
- Try to have a good time, even if you feel disgusted.
It takes a while, but soon you feel better. Scientists promise!