In the quest for self-assurance and success, feeling confident plays a crucial role. People have explored a unique way to boost their confidence called “power posing,” inspired by superheroes like Wonder Woman. These stances, more than just fun poses, have a solid scientific foundation and offer various advantages that can elevate your confidence and mood.
The Basics of Power Posing
Power posing means standing in certain ways that make you feel more confident and in control. A famous power pose is the “Wonder Woman” stance, where you stand tall with your feet apart and your hands on your hips.
The Science Behind More Confidence
Studies have shown that power posing can have significant benefits:
- Less Anxiety: Power posing can help reduce feelings of nervousness. When you do a power pose, your body releases hormones that combat stress, making you feel more at ease and confident.
- Better Body Awareness: Power posing can make you more aware of your own thoughts and emotions. It helps you understand your inner feelings and thoughts better.
Using Power Poses at Work
Power posing is a valuable technique to boost confidence and enhance your presence at work. To utilize it effectively, find a private space before high-stakes situations like meetings or presentations. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your hands on your hips or extend them upward in a V-shape. Maintain this pose for a couple of minutes, focusing on deep, calming breaths. This posture can help increase testosterone levels, reduce cortisol (stress hormone), and make you feel more self-assured. When you return to your professional environment, you’ll exude confidence and assertiveness, positively impacting your performance and interactions with colleagues and superiors.
References:
Cuddy, A., Wilmuth, C. A., Yap, A. J., & Carney, D. R. (2015). Preparatory power posing affects nonverbal presence and job interview performance. The Journal of applied psychology, 100(4), 1286–1295. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038543
Weineck, F., Schultchen, D., Hauke, G., Messner, M., & Pollatos, O. (2020). Using bodily postures to reduce anxiety and improve interoception: A comparison between powerful and neutral poses. PloS one, 15(12), e0242578. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024257