Recently I was stressing out about a work project. My mind swirled through what needed to get done, I felt a churning in my gut. My shoulders hunched. My muscles and connective tissue constricted, causing pain between my shoulder blades. The furrow in my brow deepened. I forgot to eat lunch or even drink water, as I cranked over my computer re-writing the piece I wrote already but lost due to mental flummox.
I was in a negative spiral. The more I pondered the worse things became. Including for my health. I needed to get out of this tailspin.
Can our body language re-program our mind? According to social psychologist, Amy Cuddy, just two minutes in a powerful pose can lead to hormonal changes that configure our brains to be more assertive, confident, and comfortable. Cuddy explains body language communicates to others, and also send messages to ourselves. Our body language can change our own mental wiring
My friends Jenni and Eric in Victory Pose at the Community Prairie.
Standing in a victory pose, feet firmly planted, spine stretched to the ceiling, arms stretched in a gigantic V overhead; this pose tells your brain that you are victorious. Your brain feels the confidence expressed in your arms, legs, and shoulders.
As I stood in victory pose, I felt the knots in my guts slowly unravel. My project was still waiting, but a victory pose and break for a snack later, and victory felt achievable.
Try standing in victory pose. You will be victorious too!
You can watch the engaging Amy Cuddy explain the power of body language on this TED TALK.
Want to embrace your inner strength right now? Try this gorgeous yoga exercise on Akimboo.com and feel energized in three minutes!
Photo of healthy man by Parker Deen