While it’s common knowledge that our body language reflects what our minds are feeling, it is also true that our body language can manipulate and change what our minds are feelings. How so? In experiments done by Amy Cuddy, we found out that certain poses change chemical patterns in our brains.
For instance, if we position ourselves in a closed off, cowardly pose, such as the fetal position or with our arms crossed and our heads down, our bodies produce fear and stress hormones, such as cortisol.
On the contrary, if we stand in more confident poses, such as with our arms spread out wide and our chests open, our bodies produce more confident hormones, such as testosterone. So yes, even the way you hold your back links to how your mind will feel.
This is really exciting news! Why? Because now, this whole “fake it until you make it” concept comes to life. For instance, if you have an important job interview, you can go stand in the bathroom (or anywhere you feel comfortable) with your arms out wide, taking deep breaths, and scientifically build your confidence and perform better during the interview. Another great way to utilize this new science, is to catch yourself when you are having poor body language, and correct your posture into something much more positive. It’s true that better posture means a better attitude, and this is the science behind it.
So start today, and stand how you want to feel!
