Ever experience social anxiety or been nervous about an upcoming meeting or job interview? Social psychologist, Amy Cuddy has outlined some simple practices that can help anyone in stressful situations.
Her research indicates that body language can signal power or weakness:
Body Language that Signals Weakness and Negativity:
- Slumping
- Making yourself small
- Touching your face or neck
- Folding your arms
Body Language that Signals Confidence and Positivity:
- Standing up tall
- Making eye contact
- Smiling
So we know body language can definitely affect the way others perceive us, but can it affect the way we perceive ourselves?
“Do our nonverbals govern the way we think and feel about ourselves?”
According to Cuddy’s research, the answer is a resounding yes.
Try it.
Force yourself to smile for five minutes straight and you will begin to feel happy.
Our bodies can change our minds. There are definite physiological differences depending on your body pose. In one study, Curry had a group of people adopt low power poses and the other group high power poses.
Research: Powerful body language can cause hormonal changes in the body.
Boost Your Own Confidence
Afterwards, their saliva was tested and the people with the high power poses had testosterone increase by 20% versus a decrease in testosterone by 10% in the other group. Actual hormonal changes take place in the body.
The group that practiced the positive body pose were much more passionate, authentic and captivating as compared to the negative group. But here’s the kicker, it wasn’t that these individuals were putting on false airs, they were simply comfortable enough to be themselves.
“Our bodies change our minds.” -Amy Cuddy