Mental toughness: 2 poses to help you be more confident

mentally strong
2 poses that will help you be more confident

© Rido / Adobe Stock

When used correctly, our body becomes a real miracle cure for bad moods or pure stress – and you don’t even need to exercise for that.

Several studies have examined the effects of upright posture on people’s moods. With the result that it actually makes a difference whether we sit hunched and slumped at the desk, for example – or in a straight posture.

By straightening your body, you can reduce stress and bad moods with this small detail and exchange them for a better mood and more self-confidence. For example, the result is one study from 2014. Other researchers and theories came to similar conclusions and also give the “remedy” credit for reducing fatigue, for example.

Two poses that will change our world

They are so simple and yet so effective: one of the two postures simply increases your mood, reduces stress and lets you start your everyday life more relaxed. One makes you feel more confident and makes others feel the same way. Perfect for that next salary negotiation or any other discussion where you want to get ahead of your debate partner.

1. The:the sunbathers:in

Stand with both feet firmly on the ground and keep your legs as relaxed as possible. Close your eyes, raise your arms in the air and stretch your head towards the (imaginary) sun. Breathe calmly and enjoy the effect that straightening your body has on you. Just imagine that you are on a mountain enjoying the last rays of the sunset on your skin. This exercise can calm you down and improve your mood.

In addition, to feel better in a stressful situation, for example, you can recite an empowering phrase out loud to yourself before you start the day. It can be a quiet “you’re great and you can do it”, “you’re absolutely amazing” or: “you rock it today and sweep them all away”. You are absolutely free to choose the words that confirm you and they are just good for you.

2. The Wonder Woman Pose

Even if you’re not a DC fan, you know this posture: When Wonder Woman puts her hands on her hips, the opponents don’t stand a chance. In order to awaken this form of self-confidence for us, we do not need a short body or chest armor. We can use them in every outfit to our advantage: for example at the next salary negotiation. Let’s go: put your hands on your hips, spread your legs a little wider than hip-width and stand up straight.

If this pose says one thing, it’s: I’m not to be trifled with right now, I have my opinion and I’m going to stand by it. So if you want to have the upper hand in an argument, then this stance is just the ticket. We feel stronger with it – and we look it too. If you then demand something with a firm voice, you have a better chance of success than if you hang your arms or cross your arms. For your own feeling alone, the pose gives you more confidence. Just give it a try the next time you have a conversation you want to assert yourself.

Sources used: pubmed, Emotion Women’s Day

Bridget

source site-48