You know those epic poses you see superheroes do in the movies? How about Wonder Woman’s classic pose, legs spread shoulder width a part, back straight, chin up and fists on her hips? Poses like that are what researchers at Harvard University, The University of Oregon and The University of Texas studied and what they discovered is that body language plays a large role in our hormone levels.
They all discovered that leaders and those with more confidence had higher levels of testosterone and lower levels of cortisol – these can be affected by a number of factors but one factor totally within our personal control is our body language if we are aware of it. Amy Cuddy and her team conducted a study and found how different poses which they called “high power” and “low power” poses affected testosterone and cortisol levels. They discovered that when in a high power pose for 2 minutes or more, testosterone increases by 20 percent and decreases cortisol levels by 25 percent.
Aside from hormone levels, our body language will also influence the way others perceive you as well. Having a more open, relaxed and strong demeanor as opposed to having a closed off and guarded one is generally more inviting and powerful.
You can use these power poses before a big meeting, an interview for a new job or even just to feel more confident throughout your day.An easy solution to turn you into the Wonder Woman that you are!
