Think happy thoughts ... it’s good for your heart!

FORGET flagellating yourself for skipping the gym – a spot of ‘selfcompassion’ could be enough to improve your health.

Positive introspection can slow heart rates, scientists have found, following a study which saw researchers from Exeter and Oxford universities play audio instructions to 135 students.

Some were encouraged to practice ‘self-compassion’ and be kind to themselves, while others were told to be more self-critical. Those given the kinder instructions told researchers they felt more confident and compassionate towards others, while their heart rates were lower than the other participants’.

Study lead Dr Anke Karl said the research, published in the journal Clinical Psychological Science, could one day ‘benefit psychological treatments’ for patients with depression.