Love is often described as a matter of the heart, and recent scientific studies suggest this might be truer than we realize. Imagine sitting quietly with your partner, gazing into their eyes, and feeling your heartbeats sync in rhythm. It sounds like something out of a romantic novel, but research indicates there might be more than poetic flair to this idea.
The Science Behind Synchronized Heartbeats
Research from the University of California, Davis, revealed that when romantic partners sit together in silence, their heart rates and breathing patterns can align, even without talking or touching. This fascinating discovery suggests a deep, subconscious connection between individuals who share close emotional bonds.
Further supporting this, a report highlighted by BrainPost found that eye contact led to increased synchronization in brain activity and physiological responses. This effect is especially noticeable among people who are close, like couples, like romantic partners or long-time friends. This suggests that the bond between partners enhances this synchronization.
While these studies support the idea of physiological synchrony between couples, the claim that heart rates will sync after gazing into each other’s eyes for three minutes specifically still requires more research. However, the broader concept of emotional and physical alignment in close relationships is well-supported, showing just how much our emotional connections can influence our physical well-being.
Caring for Your Heart – Together
The heart is not just a symbol of love but a vital organ that requires care and attention. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, and while some risk factors like family history, gender, and age are beyond your control, there are many other actions you can take to reduce your risk.
Here are some ways couples can take care of their heart health together:
1. Exercise Together
Engaging in physical activities like walking, running, or cycling can boost cardiovascular health. Exercising as a couple can also strengthen your emotional bond. If you’re a Doctor Anywhere member, you can take advantage of these perks and kick-start your fitness journey:
Kinetix Lab: Free one Strength Meter and Motion Scale session, waived joining fee, and discounted membership rates
Movement in Play: Free one yoga or dance trial class, and discounted class packages
Open Mat Makati: Free one trial class, and a 15% discount on jiu-jitsu and yoga class packages
Philippine Sports Performance (PSP) Fitness Gym: Free 2 personal training sessions, 20% discount on membership fees, and more
2. Healthy Eating Habits
Sharing meals that are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can improve heart health. Cooking together can be a fun and healthy way to spend time as a couple. For our DA members, enjoy these perks and make healthy eating a seamless part of your routine!
Mayani: 10% discount on all your farm-fresh produce
Smart Meals: 10% discount on meal plan orders
Project Fit: ₱350 off a Nutrition Consultation with Project Fit PH’s registered Nutritionist-Dietitian, and ₱100 off each meal plan order (Batangas area only)
Plant Patisserie PH: 5% off healthy treats like camote crinkles and peanut butter chickpea bars
3. Manage Stress
Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health. Practicing mindfulness or meditation together can reduce stress and improve overall well-being. You can also prioritize your mental health with the trusted care from Doctor Anywhere. Schedule an online appointment with a mental health expert using the promo code DAMENTALHEALTH to get ₱50 off your FIRST online consultation using the Doctor Anywhere app.
One-time use per account for the first video consultation. Valid for new Doctor Anywhere users who haven’t had a video consultation yet. Promo runs from June 3, 2024 - June 2, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-194645 Series of 2024.
4. Quit Smoking
If either partner smokes, quitting together can be a powerful motivator. Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
5. Regular Health Check-Ups
Encourage each other to have regular medical check-ups to catch any potential issues early. With a DA Healthwise annual health plan, you can access discounted video consultations with doctors 24/7, for just ₱99/year.
Unlike traditional health insurance plans with fixed monthly fees, DA Healthwise operates on a pay-per-use basis. This means you only pay for doctor consultations when you need them, eliminating the burden of monthly premiums.
DA Healthwise subscribers will get discounted rates on all video consultations with a variety of healthcare professionals, all conveniently accessible through the Doctor Anywhere app:
General Practitioners (GPs): Consult with licensed primary care physicians such as general practitioners, internal medicine doctors, or family medicine practitioners 24/7, on-demand or by appointment, including holidays, with wait times under 5 minutes, for only ₱509 (originally priced at ₱550).
Specialists: Get expert consultations with various specialists starting from ₱649 (originally priced at ₱699 or ₱799)
₱649/video consult with the following specialists: dermatologists, ENT specialists (otorhinolaryngologists), general surgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists (ob-gyn), ophthalmologists (eye specialists), orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, or urologists
₱749/video consult with the following specialists: cardiologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, infectious disease specialists, nephrologists, oncologists, pulmonologists, or rheumatologists
Mental Health Experts: Access confidential online sessions with psychologists for just ₱1,439 (originally priced at ₱1,499).
If you subscribe to DA Healthwise, you can also enjoy exclusive perks from Doctor Anywhere's health and wellness partner merchants, including:
MyHealth Clinic: FREE one-time Primary Care Physician Wellness Check at any clinic branch
Metro Dental: FREE one-time dental check-up
Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics Center: FREE eye consultation and comprehensive eye screening
Have an HMO or health insurance?
Link your membership account for fully covered video consultations for you and your dependents. Doctor Anywhere’s accredited health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance providers include COCOLIFE Healthcare, EastWest Healthcare, Etiqa, Flexicare, Fortune Life, Forticare, Generali, Health Maintenance, Inc. (HMI), Lacson & Lacson Insurance Brokers, Manulife HealthFlex, Manulife China Bank HealthFlex, Maxicare, Medicare Plus, and WellCare Health Maintenance. Tap here to learn more about Doctor Anywhere’s HMOs and insurance partners.
Exclusive Promo Codes: Save on Your First Video Consultation
Our healthcare providers are available daily, including weekends and holidays, ensuring you get the care you need anytime. General practitioners are available 24/7, on-demand, with an average wait time of 5 minutes, or by appointment. Our mental health experts and specialists are also available daily by appointment.
Download the free Doctor Anywhere app and use a promo code on your first video consultation to save:
Save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a general practitioner. Use *promo code DACONSULT30.
Save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a specialist. Use **promo code DAEXPERTCARE.
Save ₱50 on your first online session with a mental health expert. Use ^promo code DAMENTALHEALTH.
Make the most out of your doctor appointments! Tap here for key reminders to help you prepare for your video consultations.
One-time use per account for the first video consultation. Valid for new Doctor Anywhere users who haven’t had a video consultation yet. Promo runs from Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-192282 Series of 2024. *Promo runs from May 1, 2024 - Apr. 30, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-192282 Series of 2024. ^Promo runs from June 3, 2024 to June 2, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-194645 Series of 2024. Visit https://www.doctoranywhere.ph/promos-and-discounts for more information.
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