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The surprising health benefits of giving things up
If you are able to exercise self-control instead of giving in to temptations there are range of physical, psychological and social outcomes
Anyone can increase self-control with practice
Credit: krisanapong detraphiphat
Did you decide to give something up for Lent?
Whether for religious reasons or because you just felt like testing yourself, last week many of us pledged to give up something we enjoy temporarily. Psychologically, is this a good thing?
Definitely.
Delaying gratification – that is, exercising self-control by choosing to wait – is associated with wide-ranging physical, psychological and social benefits. A joint study carried out by Terrie Moffitt at Duke University and international colleagues followed 1,000 New Zealanders from birth to 32. Those who showed good self-control during childhood had better physical health, greater financial success and were less likely to commit criminal offences as adults.