Power Poses And Mind Mastery – The Two-Way Street Of Body And Brain
- Brainz Magazine
- Aug 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Vibeke Pedersen's life coaching, enriched by colorful life experiences and a high EQ, delves into the subconscious for lasting change. Through deep empathy, she employs neuro-reprogramming techniques and energy healing to uncover and transform underlying obstacles, boosting client confidence, and leading them towards lasting mind mastery.
We all know that our mental state can influence our physical posture and expressions. When we're happy, we smile; when we're confident, we stand tall. But did you know that the opposite is also true? By consciously adjusting our body language, we can positively impact our mental state and—believe it or not even our hormone levels.
The impact of power posing
Have you ever felt nervous before a big meeting or job interview? Before your next high-pressure situation, try this: strike a power pose for two minutes. Stand like Wonder Woman or Superman, with your hands on your hips and your feet apart. You might think it sounds silly or perhaps feel a bit ridiculous, but according to Amy Cuddy, this simple act can reduce anxiety, boost your confidence, and even alter your hormone levels! Just make sure you find a private spot, like a bathroom, to do this—probably best not to strike a pose in front of your interviewer.
Hormones and mind-body techniques
So, how does body language influence hormone levels, exactly? It’s all about how our posture and gestures can lead to shifts in the hormones that regulate stress, confidence, and well-being. Confident, expansive postures can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and increase testosterone (the confidence hormone). This biochemical shift underscores how profoundly our physical state can impact our mental state.
Ladies, it’s important to know that we produce and need testosterone too. While we require only about 1/10th of what men do, our bodies are perfectly calibrated to produce just the right amount. Embracing power poses won’t make you “manly” it will simply help you tap into your natural confidence and strength.
Mind-body techniques like yoga, tai chi, and mindfulness meditation are powerful examples of the brain/body connection in action. These practices show how deliberate physical movements and postures can directly influence mental states, helping to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. By incorporating one or more of these techniques into your daily routine, you can effectively harness the brain/body connection to support your mental and emotional health.
The science behind body language
What we’ve learned is that the connection between our bodies and minds is a two-way street. Our minds change our bodies, but our bodies also change our minds. This is evident in how our body language what scientists call "nonverbals" can influence our emotions and thoughts.
For example, the facial feedback hypothesis suggests that smiling, even when you're not happy, can lift your spirits. A study by Strack, Martin, and Stepper found that people who held a pencil between their teeth (forcing a smile) rated cartoons as funnier. Forcing a smile is an example of a small tweak with a significant impact.
Gender dynamics and confidence
Gender plays a profound role in shaping how we carry ourselves and, consequently, how we perceive ourselves. Historically, women have been conditioned to take up less space, to be more reserved, and to shrink their physical presence. This societal expectation has not only limited physical expression but has also eroded confidence, making most women feel less entitled to assert themselves.
But what if we could start reclaiming that space? Power poses are one powerful tool among many that can help women defy these ingrained constraints and reclaim their physical and psychological space. More than just a stance, they are a declaration. They challenge the outdated norms that have kept women confined and empower them to embody a greater sense of self-assuredness.
Ladies, don't just stand by—stand tall. The next time you're tempted to shrink back, strike a power pose. Feel the surge of confidence that follows. And what's even better? Make power posing a daily practice. Spend two minutes every morning in a powerful stance. Don’t wait until you need it—build your confidence daily so it's there when you need it.
Real-life application: Observations from sales
In a previous lifetime, when I worked in telephone sales, I noticed something remarkable. The most successful people were often those who stood up to make a phone call and took up a lot of space while talking. The common denominator among top performers seemed to be their posture: standing tall and using open, confident gestures appeared to hold the key to their success. Were they merely good at projecting confidence, or was there more happening beneath the surface?
This was right around the time that I discovered Amy Cuddy's TED Talk, which deeply resonated with what I was observing and naturally doing myself. It confirmed that these confident postures weren’t just about appearances—they were actually influencing our internal state and, as a result, our outward success.
A practical illustration: The case of the whippet
Let me share a story that perfectly illustrates this concept. I once saw a dog trainer working with a whippet that was terrified of passing cars and trucks during walks. If I recall correctly, they lived in NYC, so the dog perpetually had its tail tucked between its legs. The trainer did something simple yet powerful: they attached a string to the dog’s tail, gently lifting it up. The effect was immediate—the dog’s fear disappeared, replaced by newfound confidence. This small physical change had a profound impact on the dog’s behavior, showcasing the brain/body connection in action. I wish I could recall where I saw this to give proper credit, but the parallel is powerful enough to stand on its own.
Conclusion
Awareness of the brain/body connection can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and enhanced well-being. By adopting confident postures, practicing smiling, and integrating mind-body techniques into your daily routine, you can actively shape your mental and emotional state. Remember, "fake it 'till you make it" or as Amy Cuddy says, "fake it 'till you become it." Small changes can lead to significant transformations, so why not start today? Your body and mind are more connected than you think, and by leveraging this connection, you can boost your confidence and enhance your life.
Call to action
If you found this article insightful, I invite you to read more about building confidence on my blog. There, you'll find actionable tips and personal stories that can help you on your journey to becoming the most confident version of yourself.
Ready to transform your life? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me today to discuss your challenges and aspirations, and I’ll explain exactly how I can help.
Read more from Vibeke Pedersen
Vibeke Pedersen, Life Coach | Mind Mastery & Holistic Coaching
Vibeke Pedersen is a transformative Life Coach who draws upon her rich tapestry of life experiences, including surmounting severe life adversities, to guide others towards self-empowerment. Her unique coaching approach merges neuro-reprogramming and energy healing, aimed at unlocking clients' potential by addressing the subconscious for profound and lasting change. With a high EQ and deep empathy, Vibeke's methods not only foster mind mastery but also instill a newfound confidence in those she works with. Committed to personal growth and the well-being of her clients, she embodies resilience and the power of transformation, making her a beacon for those seeking to navigate life's challenges and reinvent themselves.
