Usually we think “mind over matter”, but when it comes to assertiveness, at least, you can actually change your mindset by adjusting your body language. If you want to feel more powerful, stand tall and look assertive.We’ve seen the fascinating mind-body connection at work before, largely in several cases where your brain and productivity benefit from physical exercise.
In this latest research, sporting distinctively high-power poses — standing with legs apart and hands on hips, for example — has been shown to boost testosterone levels and decrease cortisol levels, making test subjects more aggressive later. “In other words,” David Brooks, writing for the New York Times adds, “changes in behaviour create changes in mindset.”
It’s interesting to note that males were more likely to adopt power poses than females in the study (prompting a chicken-or-the-egg question). Brooks recommends:
If you want to improve your mentality, take up a lot of space. I do this through frequent trips to the Five Guys hamburger chain, but this is not the optimal method. It’s better to spread your arms and keep your feet apart on the floor.
Time to stand akimbo, everyone (when appropriate, of course)! Photo by Daquella manera
Matter Over Mind [The New York Times]
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