Power Poses
[1]Two minutes of Power Posing before stressful events increases our performance!! We all benefit from showing up as our best self. When we feel anxious and stressed that is nearly impossible. Our speech and body language changes and our ability to find just the right word is difficult. Our ability to connect with others and share in a relaxed manner are challenged. Dr. Cuddy, professor at Harvard University, found an easy solution!
She was aware of the research that show show our mind effects our body, e.g. anxiety producing thoughts lead to a stomach ache. What she was curious about is whether our body could affect our mind. She devised an interesting study using power poses, wide open body positions, on the outcome of dream job presentations. She found that two minutes of power posing before a mock job presentation led to a much higher likelihood of the evaluator wanting to hire him/her versus two minutes of low power poses, closed body positions. (IMAGE) Further analysis determined that it was the person’s excitement and enthusiasm, from the power poses, that led to the evaluator’s positive response.
[2]In a related study, Dr. Cuddy found that two minutes of power poses increased testosterone, the dominance hormone and lower cortisol, the stress marker. Power poses have a biochemical reaction in our body, a positive one. With a lower level of cortisol in our body, we feel more comfortable and express ourselves in a more genuine effective way.
There are so many daily situations that create anxiety and stress, e.g. test taking, giving a speech, job interview, meeting someone new, and being in a large crowd. I invite you to share this with your children and put this simple technique to good use. Find a private space and pretend you are in charge of the world for two minutes. Then go show up as your best self!
[3]
Paula Petry, PhD. Paula has her doctoral degree in special education from the University of Miami. Paula is the founder and honorary advisor of Parent to Parent of Miami. Paula attended Harvard’s Executive Leadership program and developed leadership programs for students and parents. She is a Light Body practitioner through the Four Winds Society and studied arts in medicine at the University of Florida, Shands Hospital.
You May Also Like
- Staying Calm While in the Chaos of the Storm [4]
- Where’s the RESPITE? [5]
- What Is Emotional Intelligence and Why Is It so Important? [6]
- Tech for Developing Mental Strength for Life’s UPS and Downs [7]
- 11 Reasons Why You Should Try Mindfulness Meditation and How to Do It! [8]
- If I Were a Parent Today… Vocal Toning for the Modern Parent [9]
- Why Me? Why My Child? Wisdom Found in the “Hero’s Journey” [10]
- Reiki and Children with Learning Disabilities [11]
- A Simple Yoga Exercise to Build Brain Power [12]
- The Science of Happiness [13]
- Journal Writing Can Help You to Reconnect with Yourself [14]
- Art Therapy: How It Works, the Benefits, How to Start [15]
- My Relaxing Escape [16]
- Anxiety in Children and Adolescents [17]
- 5 Steps to Help Your Child Manage Emotions [18]
- Stress-Busting Strategies to Get You to Super Health [19]
- Holiday Stress: 5 Ways to Reduce It [20]
- Mental Health Is Not Something to Take for Granted: How to Manage Depression and Stress During the Holidays [21]
This post originally appeared on our September/October 2017 Magazine [22]