How many times, in the heat of the moment or while losing your head a little in an argument, have you been told to take a quick breather to calm down? As frustrating as it might be at the time, it turns out that it does work, and it could be a useful hack when it comes to de-escalating conflict in work, friendships and your relationships.

A new study by psychologists at the University of St Andrews has concluded that couples who take a five-second break during an argument could stop their row from escalating. In 81 couples, they found that breaks as short as five seconds reduced negative emotions and aggression.

“It sounds obvious, but this is the first time anyone has experimentally demonstrated a reduction in aggression following enforced breaks,” explained Annah McCurry of the School of Psychology and Neuroscience. “Forcing couples to have a five-second break was just as effective as a 10 or 15-second break, which shows even the briefest of pauses can help diffuse an argument.”

Can’t get past an argument? The ‘5-second rule’ could be the answer, according to psychologists