BY Kaylah Kislan
LifeAtStart.com Reporter
It has been said that the most influential leaders not only think a certain way, they carry themselves a certain way. In a study conducted by Amy Cuddy, a researcher at Harvard University, body language proves to boost confidence and lower stress. Not only does body language affect how others see you, it affects the way you see yourself. It has to do with your body’s hormone levels in various postures.
For example, you may be nervous or shy going into an interview. What does your body do? Closes itself. It builds a invisible wall to guard your emotions. People may slouch, look at the ground, and even fidget. This causes an increase in cortisol, the hormone in our bodies that is responsible for regulating stress. Automatically, when we have this posture, our brains say, “Hey, you’re going to stress out now.” Just like that, your confidence plummets. But what about confidence? There’s a hormone for that too.
Studies from various universities such as the University of Oregon, and the University of Texas, prove that higher levels of testosterone in women and men lead to greater confidence. So how do we boost this hormone? Here’s a hint, it isn’t going to happen by taking protein powder, and hitting the gym more often. It is much simpler than that.
When you feel negative or when you doubt yourself, stand tall. Pull your shoulders back and let go. By acknowledging your posture and body language, you can over come the stress of whatever self doubt you may experience.
What Amy Cuddy’s studies show is that you can boost your self confidence in a matter of minutes by changing your posture. In short, keep your chin up. This simple old adage we all seem to forget can be a life saver.