When you think of someone who is confident, successful and a leader, do you picture them slouched over with their head down and shoulders rounded in? Of course not. You picture them standing tall, shoulders back and their head level. Body language is extremely important, physically and mentally. It sets the tone to how people view you and how you view yourself. It also helps to support your bones, protects your organs, strengthens muscles, joints and ligaments, plus it improves circulation. Good posture isn't only beneficial when we are standing but also when we are sitting, exercising and even sleeping. Basically if you do anything with bad posture it may cause you to be imbalanced and can cause more harm than good, physically and socially. Posture is one of those things we have to be aware of especially in the beginning but overtime it becomes second nature and is controlled subconsciously. That is why starting on April 27th, I challenged you to be aware of your posture.
This challenge will make you look taller and thinner while improving your health. In fact, good posture literally makes you taller in the long run by slowing down the process of age-related shrinking and protecting your bone structure. When making good posture a priority, you are strength training your stabilizer muscles by activating your core, neck and shoulders. Good posture relieves stress and strain from your muscles and joints, it takes pressure away from your blood vessels, opens air passageways to improve breathing, protects your internal organs and increases energy levels. Studies have also shown that it boosts your immune system too.
You may think that it makes sense that good posture will make you look more confident. We see many great leaders stand tall. We even see animals in the animal kingdom use posture to get what they want. But how can it make you feel more confident? Researchers have tracked hormones through saliva samples in individuals as they are instructed to hold different poses consisting of good posture and bad posture. During these tests, they are also asked to do a series of tasks. When holding good posture, people took more risks and made quicker decisions. The saliva samples revealed that there was a temporary increase of testosterone (hormone associated with dominance) and decrease in cortisol (stress hormone) in both males and females. When asked to do tasks while holding bad posture the individuals were more nervous, didn't take risks and had a hard time making decisions.
So in moments where you feel like you want to curl into a little ball, remember to stand tall and proud. Like they say "Fake it until you make it." Before you know it, you may be more confident and healthier version of yourself. Good posture is life changing! It can be done while you are sitting less and sleeping more. You can also do it while you are exercising, staying hydrated and eating naturally colorful foods. Check out this great Guide to Good Posture for more details. I can't wait to hear your stories!!
You may think that it makes sense that good posture will make you look more confident. We see many great leaders stand tall. We even see animals in the animal kingdom use posture to get what they want. But how can it make you feel more confident? Researchers have tracked hormones through saliva samples in individuals as they are instructed to hold different poses consisting of good posture and bad posture. During these tests, they are also asked to do a series of tasks. When holding good posture, people took more risks and made quicker decisions. The saliva samples revealed that there was a temporary increase of testosterone (hormone associated with dominance) and decrease in cortisol (stress hormone) in both males and females. When asked to do tasks while holding bad posture the individuals were more nervous, didn't take risks and had a hard time making decisions.
So in moments where you feel like you want to curl into a little ball, remember to stand tall and proud. Like they say "Fake it until you make it." Before you know it, you may be more confident and healthier version of yourself. Good posture is life changing! It can be done while you are sitting less and sleeping more. You can also do it while you are exercising, staying hydrated and eating naturally colorful foods. Check out this great Guide to Good Posture for more details. I can't wait to hear your stories!!
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