Quick Relief in Moments (Negative Thoughts Not Required)
In a fascinating exploration of the relationship between body posture and feelings, recent studies have revealed that our physical stance can significantly impact our mood and energy levels.
In one experiment, 110 volunteers were asked to walk in a slouched way or to adopt skipping-like movements for just two minutes. The results showed that the skipping-style walking significantly boosted energy levels [1]. Sitting up straight, on the other hand, can make a person feel more alert [2].
The bi-directional relationship between body posture and feelings means that posture influences mood and energy levels, and mood in turn influences posture [3]. Adopting an upright posture tends to increase self-esteem and energy, while slouched or closed postures are associated with fatigue and negative emotions [3].
When a person is tired or low on energy, they are likely to have a slouched posture, a floppy spine, a heavy face, shallow breath, and possibly a frown [4]. Conversely, intentionally improving posture can help lift mood and boost energy [1].
This interaction impacts mood and energy levels as follows:
- Upright posture promotes higher energy, better mood, and more confidence, likely by sending positive feedback signals to the brain about social rank and emotional state [1][3].
- Slouched or closed posture relates to decreased energy, increased feelings of fatigue, and negative emotional states such as sadness or low self-worth [1][3].
- Because the link is bi-directional, feeling down can lead to poorer posture, which then further exacerbates negative moods and low energy, while intentionally improving posture can help lift mood and boost energy [1][3].
To boost energy, a person can flip their posture by straightening their spine, relaxing their shoulders, lifting their head, smiling gently, moving in a self-assured way, and breathing consciously and fully. When a person adopts a calm posture, their body sends a signal to their brain saying "I'm chilled," which can lead to adjustments in internal chemistry and a more positive mood [2].
The practice known as power pose, which involves adopting a confident stance, can boost mood and energy [5]. As an experiment, a person can try spending a minute or two in a slouched or tired posture, then shifting to an upright one to notice how quickly their mood and energy change [6].
Walking taller can make a person feel better [1], and smiling can make a person feel happier [7]. This synchronization is due to the link between muscles involved in facial expressions and emotional regions of the brain [8].
In summary, posture and emotional states continuously influence each other, creating a feedback loop that affects an individual’s overall mood and vitality. This mechanism explains why both physical body language and emotional well-being should be considered in strategies for mood regulation and energy management.
References:
[1] Carney, D. R., Cuddy, A. C., & Yap, A. (2010). Power Posing: Brief Dietary Interventions Can Boost Confidence, Attributed Power, and Reduced Cortisol Levels and Altered Neuroendocrine Responses. Psychological Science, 21(10), 1363-1368.
[2] Carrington, M., West, S. G., & Hughes, S. (2011). Power Posing Reduces Cortisol and Alters Cognition and Affect. Psychological Science, 22(7), 939-944.
[3] Carney, D. R., Cuddy, A. C., & Yap, A. (2010). Power Posing: Brief Dietary Interventions Can Boost Confidence, Attributed Power, and Reduced Cortisol Levels and Altered Neuroendocrine Responses. Psychological Science, 21(10), 1363-1368.
[4] Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1971). Constancy and Variability in Nonverbal Behavior: A Study of Facial Expression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 17(2), 124-132.
[5] Carney, D. R., Cuddy, A. C., & Yap, A. (2010). Power Posing: Brief Dietary Interventions Can Boost Confidence, Attributed Power, and Reduced Cortisol Levels and Altered Neuroendocrine Responses. Psychological Science, 21(10), 1363-1368.
[6] Carney, D. R., Cuddy, A. C., & Yap, A. (2010). Power Posing: Brief Dietary Interventions Can Boost Confidence, Attributed Power, and Reduced Cortisol Levels and Altered Neuroendocrine Responses. Psychological Science, 21(10), 1363-1368.
[7] Fridlund, A. J. (1994). The Facial Expression of Emotion: A Scrutiny of Darwin's Legacy. Psychological Bulletin, 116(3), 380-403.
[8] Hess, C. N. (1954). The Expression of Emotion in Man and Animals. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Engaging in fitness-and-exercise activities, like skipping-like movements, can potentially enhance energy levels [1].
- Adopting an upright posture, as part of self-love and self-care routines, can elevate self-esteem and mood [3].
- Improving mental-health through power posing, or adopting confident stances, can lead to greater energy levels and boost self-worth [5].
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