Really?: Change your mind with a power pose

There sure is a lot of information out there on what’s good for you and what’s not. One week it’s good and the next week it’s not. I’m constantly asking myself when I read or hear about something, “Really? Is this really the truth?” Is it an opinion or is it someone trying to sell us on something they represent? I want to know the truth, because I want to help my family, my patients and my community live healthier and happier lives. In each column, I’m going to tackle topics related to health, happiness and habits.  

I remember slouching in church as a kid and my mom bumping me on the shoulder telling me to sit up straight, or I would “turn in to a hunchback” or “get stuck like that.” My mom was a stickler for presenting a confident posture – rightly so, as studies can now support, not only how posture can affect your overall health, but also how it can encourage a stronger sense of empowerment. Can I introduce you to a habit that can enhance your confidence and lower your stress levels?

Try this: Change your posture. Seriously! Visualize the Superman or Wonder Woman pose – the one where they are standing tall, fists on their hips, chest out, shoulders back and chin up. Taking on this pose for two minutes can change the way you feel. It’s called “power posing.” Studies show, in the power pose, people tend to feel less stressed and more confident due to a decrease in cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone,” while the “confidence hormone,” testosterone, increases. It’s been said that it is easier to shift your mood by changing your body/posture then it is by changing your mind. So the next time you feel down, upset or angry, just shift your body position to a power pose – change your body posture to change your mind. 

Take note of your posture as you are reading this. See? How about your posture while on your phone, walking, or at your workstation? Not only will you feel better when you perfect your posture, but the people around you will perceive you as more confident and certain. Now, I am not telling you to walk around like Wonder Woman all the time, ready to fight crime, but if you are faced with a potentially stressful situation, take a second, sit up straight with chin up and tell yourself, “I got this.”