Did you know you can change your brain chemistry by sitting or standing a certain way for two minutes?
Amy Cuddy is a scientist. Her research, sparked by her own near-death car accident and resulting brain trauma, as well as the fight to recover, led her to undertake some intriguing research. She wondered if a person could move, pose, or operate their body in such a way as to prompt the release of chemicals that affect one’s emotions. Here’s what she learned, and her research has been replicated enough times by others to trust its veracity:
Certain postures can cause a measurable change in hormone levels.
In the most striking example of this, Cuddy and her team proved through before-and-after saliva tests that certain “power poses” caused test subjects to experience a 19% increase in testosterone and a 25% decrease in cortisol. “Low power” poses showed a 10% decrease in testosterone and a 17% increase in cortisol.
Why is this important?
Testosterone is the hormone that helps you feel confident and self-assured, more open to growth, success, and opportunity.
Cortisol relates to feelings of anxiety. High cortisol = greater stress.
According to Amy Cuddy
Our bodies change our minds, our minds change our behavior, and our behavior changes our lives.
I can’t possibly tell you all the good news about how posture can help or hurt you, but I absolutely recommend the book. If you buy it, know that the first five chapters are deep with science. The fun part, what to do with that information, starts in Chapter Six. This is where you can see examples of helpful or unhelpful poses.
Lagarde in power stance.
Or the short/quick version: below is Cuddy’s TED talk that went viral and started a movement. In it, she documents the value of stance and posture. She says you can change your hormone levels (and thus, your chance of success in challenging situations) by, among other simple fixes, posing like Wonder Woman for just two minutes beforehand. (Hands on hips, chin slightly elevated, feet slightly apart. As if your cape is flowing behind you.)
This video went viral and has changed the lives of thousands across the globe. Many of those anecdotes are in the book. Bottom line:
“Carrying yourself in a powerful way directs your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and body to feel powerful and be present (and even perform better) in situations ranging from the mundane to the most challenging.”
Here is Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk. Watch it with your kids. You might need tissues at the end.
GREAT post and video. I’m going to try this.
I clicked on Amy Cuddy’s book and read the first few pages on Amazon. Captivating!
A definite must read.
It is absolutely fascinating and incredible the vast progress (discoveries) that’s been taking place in the neuroscience and related fields during the past 15 years.
Similar to what we see with exercise and the brain, even in older brains–the formation of new neuronal connections. The absolute plasticity and growth capacity of the adult brain, as well as the injured brain.
As Amy Cuddy points out, the powerful effect of body stance.
Our mindset and attitudes (stance) can be so more effective than we often realize.
It can be honed.
Thanks for sharing, Lynne!
Absolutely my pleasure, Danie. I love that we can improve things with a simple fix. Here’s another example: when I was in my 30s, I was single and very lonely and sad. I also listened to a lot of sad music. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized how much the music probably affected me. Idiotic, but a logical mistake of youth. Another simple fix, though. Now I only listen to new agey stuff earlier in the day. More upbeat sounds at night.
Oh, the mind is a powerful thing and we’re really just learning how it works and how we can bring about change in our lives. I love it!
And that knowledge is so freeing isn’t it, Joan?
What an inspiration for research! Looks like it was worth the work, since she came up with very useful results. You can always expect something great from Ted talks!
One of the questions I wonder about is, if posing like that increases testosterone, wouldn’t it increase one’s sex drive? You’d think researchers would be all over that.
Love this! And the photo of Legarde in power stance…gee, I wonder if the guy feels intimidated, especially since she’s taller than he is to boot! Thanks for sharing, Lynne!
I love Christine Lagarde. I should make that graphic into a poster for my office! If anybody is interested in this stylish Master of the Universe, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christine_Lagarde