Superhero Pose - Power Posing - 2 minutes is all you need!
What is power posing (aka - "Postural Feedback?")
Power posing, also called "postural feedback" is: "Striking a pose." This version uses standing or sitting up straight and tall with a wide-open chest for 120 seconds. Holding this broad posture has been shown to increase feelings of well-being and increase your overall sense of feeling powerful.
Test it out. Think about how you feel when you are sad and "slumped" over versus happy and about to open your arms for a giant hug.
Where did power posing come from?
The label "Power Posing" was used by AMY CUDDY, Ph.D. in her Ted Talk from 2012 (Watch HERE) discussing her research findings. Her research caused a lot of controversy and claims that her findings were not true!
However, Amy fought back and proved again in 2018 using 55 research studies that power posing works!
Who can do it?
Everyone! Try it at home or in the bathroom. Great before auditions and interviews. Great with kids to increase confidence. Great for after intense meetings to open the chest and take on the world.
Step by Step:
Stand on the floor with your feet hip-distance apart. (Alternatively, sit on a chair)
Feel your feet on the floor and make sure to feel steady on the ground.
Knees slightly bent. (Do not lock your knees please).
Discontinue pose if you feel pain in your lower back or neck.
Place your hands on your hips and take your elbows out wide.
Move your shoulders away from one another open your chest and lift your chin slightly up.
Breathe in and out.
Continue to draw your elbows back behind you.
Hold the position and breathe naturally for 2-5 minutes.
Now you are ready to save the world, and yourself! (And maybe also face public transport:)