We all know not to tug on Superman’s cape. However, there is much to be gained by mimicking his posture.
In the book Presence, Amy Cuddy details research she has done on the power of proper posture and how our bodies affect our brains and behavior. You may know her work regarding what she dubbed “impostor syndrome” – the rather common feeling we aren’t quite good enough, smart enough, young/pretty or handsome enough and that our success to this point was most likely due to luck. And, worse yet, our lack of abilities will soon be found out!
We all can relate to blowing a job interview, blanking out during an important exam, or being overwhelmed with anxiety during other challenging situations. The French phrase “esprit de escalier”, or “spirit of the stairs”, refers to our tendencies to think of the best verbal comeback or action to take after we have left the scene and the opportunity is lost. Being “present” can change that.
“Presence” refers to believing and trusting in your own values, beliefs and abilities. Trust and appreciation of our self is critical to clarity and calm, helping create personal peace and contentment. When we are fully “here”, our inner resources are more readily accessed.
In these studies, they had people assume expansive, open postures with chest and chin up, legs spread and hands on hips – like Superman or Wonder Woman. They then tested their hormone levels, and questioned the participants on the emotions they experienced while in that posture.
Next they did the reverse, and had the people slouch, cave their chests in and hold their arms close to their sides (like our postures at the computer or tablet – so be advised!) and took the same readings.
The Superman (or Wonder Woman!) pose reduced the stress hormone cortisol and increased testosterone after only a few minutes. (Both men and women need sufficient testosterone for health and alert action). They also reported feeling more confident, hopeful, positive and energized.
Go watch Super Girl if need be, and notice her posture change as she goes from the office worker to the girl from Krypton. A few minutes holding this posture at the start your day can move you toward increased levels of health, hope and happiness.
And, like most real “truths”, this is ancient info. As another old saying from the French states: “Flexion (forward bent posture) is depression; extension (upright, chest out posture) is joy!”