We tend to think that body language is the result or expression of our inner state. However, research increasingly confirms that it also works the other way around: lThe position of our body also influences our mind.
The way we move or position ourselves has an effect on our thoughts and emotions, and can also quickly change our state. of spirit as well as our predisposition to a task.
- Posture to feel powerful
If you want to feel more powerful, then adopt a posture that denotes power or security. Carney et al. (2010) found that opening the limbs or making wide gestures for just one minute not only made people feel more powerful but also increased testosterone levels. The "power" poses are characterized by taking up space so extend your body and open your arms and legs. You can do it sitting but it is better to do it standing. When you master space, your mind gets the message.
- Get uptight to gain willpower
Tensing your muscles can help you increase your willpower. In five studies carried out by Hung and Labroo (2011) it was found that when people tense their muscles, they are better able to endure pain, resist temptations, and perform unpleasant tasks.
- Cross your arms to increase persistence
If you are stuck in a problem that requires persistence, then try crossing your arms for a moment. Friedman and Elliot (2008) found that people worked twice as long when performing this posture on anagram tasks.
- Lie down for a better understanding
If crossing your arms doesn't help, then lie down. When Lipnicki and Byrne (2005) asked participants to lie down, they solved the anagram tasks more quickly. Apparently lying down encourages creative solutions.
- Gestures to better process learning
The use of gestures to accompany our words not only help to persuade others, they also help us to think. In a study of children, Cook et al. (2007) found that children who were encouraged to use gestures while learning memorized the content better. It also seems that in general, we think with our hands.
- Smile to improve your mood
Strack et al. (1998) showed that the act of smiling - in this case they asked the participants to put pens in their mouths - can make us feel happier, even if there is no reason behind it. This is because the muscles involved in smiling are activated.
- Imitate to learn to empathize
If you want to understand how someone else is feeling, try to copy their behavior or gestures. Particularly empathetic people, in fact, do so naturally. Psychologists, for example, do it to connect with their patients and the actors, to feel identified with different emotional states that their roles imply.
We not only think with our minds but also with our bodies. We often tend to isolate the mind from the body as if it were the only source of wisdom: great and sad mistake.
Source:
Authentic Movement. Essays by Mary Strarks Whitehouse, Janet Adler and Joan Chodorow. Edited by Patrizia Pallaro.
http://www.spring.org.uk/2011/03/10-simple-postures-that-boost-performance.php