When we experience positive emotions, we usually express them whether verbally, or with a smile.
In 1990, Paul Ekman began looking to see if it worked the other way.
It turns out, that when people adopted (even “faked”) a “Duchenne Smile” – which is a full smile involving the facial muscles around the eyes – they produced a change in brain activity that corresponded with a happier mood.
Furthermore, when we change our physical posture and assume a “power pose”, we are also able to send signals to the subconscious mind that can impact hormonal levels such as testosterone and cortisol.
Our physical and mental “posture” and the facial expression that we have when we move into a new situation or challenge isn’t just for kicks.
We are actualising a change in our physiology which can help our health and our performance.
Conscious relaxation, awareness of posture and breathing are golden ticket (and free) ways to improve our ability to perform, particularly when we are faced with a difficult task.
Conscious or subconscious “tension” in the body can also create tension in the mind.
The cool thing? It ratchets forward. When you choose to create an open, welcoming posture or choose to offer a smile, you change my perception of the environment and my physiology.
Its better together.
When we become familiar with these tools, we can also use them to help with relaxation, down-regulation and even greater connection.
