If watching and listening to a crackling fire can lower a person’s blood pressure, then surely a video of a fire blazing away in a fireplace can have a similar effect on this Christmas Day.
Last month, research from the University of Alabama suggested the pleasure of gazing at a fire may date back to prehistoric times.
“Fires involve flickering light, crackling sounds, warmth, and a distinctive smell. For early humans, fire likely extended the day, provided heat, helped with hunting, warded off predators and insects, illuminated dark places, and facilitated cooking,” according to the researchers.
“Campfires also may have provided social nexus and relaxation effects that could have enhanced prosocial behavior.”
Research participants who watched a fire with sound experienced a 5pc drop in blood pressure, the University of Alabama researchers also found.
Merry relaxing Christmas!
Christmas fireplace image via Shutterstock
