Posture and Changing the Brain

Kelly McGonigal is a researcher who has studied the effects of our behaviors. In particular, she did a study where they had participants do a power pose for a few minutes and then studied before and after spit samples. What they found was an increase in biomarkers after the power pose, indicating the body recognized a stressor and was mounting a response. In short, the power poses were increasing the participants confidence and ability to take on the stressor. How amazing is that?
So, take a look at your own posture. Are your shoulders up and back or are they hunched and forward? Is your head up above your shoulders or is your head forward? Are your arms rotating in front of your chest and abdomen or are they out on the side? 
A flexed forward posture is recognized by the body as a defensive posture. When you are in a state of defensiveness, your body responds accordingly to protect you. When you are in an upright and confident posture, your body recognizes that you do not need to be in protective mode and can relax in your surroundings. 
Your posture affects your physiology. You know the fake it til you make it concept? You can literally trick your brain into thinking you are feeling positive and confident. Give it a try next time you are in a stressful situation!

In health and wellness,
Dr. Morgan