Power Posing: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are

By: Kelli McConnell

Recently a TedTalk crossed my screen that has surprisingly impacted how I show up in the world. The idea is simple: stand in a position of power (with arms in a V overhead, or hands on hips with feet shoulder width apart aka “Superwoman”) for two minutes per day and major physiological and psychological shifts will take place. WHOA. I can feel more confident, less stressed, and poised for success by holding a posture for two minutes per day? Done.

This TedTalk is hosted by Social Psychologist Amy Cuddy who has spent years studying how body language affects how we move through life.  “Our non-verbals govern how we think and feel about ourselves. Our bodies change our minds,” she says. Anyone who practices yoga, or who has explored QiGong will tell you: of course our bodies and minds are directly correlated. You cannot feel good in one without feeling good in the other. Simply coming into awareness of our bodies helps us feel better, so it makes sense that holding a position of power would “trick” us into feeling more powerful.

Through extensive research Dr. Cuddy shows us how power posing — standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident — can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain (lessening stress and boosting our feelings of worth), and might even have an impact on our chances for success.

Through this small yet effective daily practice, I am personally witnessing the positive effects that standing in my power present: I feel calmer and better equipped to handle stressful situations. I am centered and more aligned in my resting posture, and overall I am experiencing a sense of wellness, peace and ease. If nothing else, this video was a great reminder for me to get into my body every day, just for the sake of it.  I invite you take a look and step into your power.

Ted Talk - Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are