According to a new study appeared in the Journal of Consumer Research, compressing fist is the best way to control emotions, as tightening muscles strengthen willpower.

The study was carried out by researchers from Singapore and the US. They suggest that the association between mind and body helps taking control over willpower.

To evaluate the willpower's association with tightened fist, the researchers asked the volunteers to sink their hands in the iced chilly water. Some were asked to hold a pen in the fist while plunging hands into the water and other were asked to hold pen in a normal way.

It was found that those who held pen in a compressed fist tolerated the pain twice longer, as compared to those, who held pen normally.

The volunteers also underwent another experiment, in which their responsiveness to depressing conditions like the information about the fate of children affected in the Haitian earthquake was assessed.

Those who clenched their fists were more likely to donate funds for children affected by calamities, which could be guided by their strengthened action.

Another trials conducted by researchers found that people who tightened their muscles either of hand, finger, calf or biceps were less likely to get fascinated towards junk food. They had greater ability to take the unpleasant medicine and were most likely to endure pain.

"Simply engaging in these bodily actions, which often result from an exertion of willpower, can serve as a non-conscious source to recruit willpower, facilitate self-control, and improve consumer wellbeing", said researcher Iris Hung.