Want to Feel Powerful? Use These Body Language Tips….

When animals want to show their dominance, they make themselves bigger. Think about a peacock that extends its feathers to make it appear more intimidating. This works for humans too! Research shows that when athletes win a race or competition they will throw their hands up to celebrate and show pride. On the other hand, losing athletes will make themselves smaller, trying not to be seen. When others observe us in these positions it sends signals to them that we are a winner or a loser. Not only does it send messages to others, but it also subconsciously sends signals to our own brains.

If you are slouching in your chair you are saying to yourself and others that I am not worthy of being here. I am weak and powerless. If you pull your shoulders back, lift your head and take up more space you are saying I am worthy, powerful, and confident. Before your next meeting or interview try doing a “power pose” by taking up as much space as possible. (Do this in private in a restroom or before you leave the house) This movement will decrease your stress hormones and increase your power hormones. Also stay off your phone before important meetings because it causes you to contract your body and take up less space. Instead bring a newspaper or something that will allow you to extend your arms and take up more space.

Feeling down?? Smile….

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “wearing your feelings on your sleeve,” a more accurate statement might be “wearing your feelings on your face,” for it is the face that shows our emotions to the world. A smile will let others know if you are happy or feeling positive. A furrowed brow could mean frustration, anger, or confusion. A frown indicates sadness.

Not only do our facial expressions portray our emotions to others but they can also cause us to feel the emotion.

It is called the facial feedback hypothesis. And it states that one's facial expression directly affects their emotional experience. Specifically, physiological activation of the facial regions associated with certain emotions holds a direct effect on the elicitation of such emotional states, and the lack of or inhibition of facial activation will result in the suppression (or absence altogether) of corresponding emotional states. This hypothesis goes back to Charles Darwin, who wrote that the expression of an emotion intensifies it, whereas its repression softens it. In layman’s terms - Elevating your cheeks in a smile can make you happier, just as furrowing your brow can make you angrier.

So, if you are having a bad day or feeling sad try putting on a smile because it will make you feel happier.