As a confidence coach, I work with clients on a range of strategies to help build their confidence. One area that often comes up is body language. While I don't believe that changing your body language alone will solve all your confidence issues, studies have shown that confident body language can have a positive impact on your levels of confidence.
When we adopt confident body language, we send a message to ourselves and others that we are in control and capable. This can trigger a chemical change in the body, increasing our levels of testosterone and decreasing our levels of cortisol (the stress hormone). This can lead to feelings of power and confidence.
One of the most famous studies on the impact of body language on confidence was conducted by Amy Cuddy at Harvard. In her study, she found that simply holding a "power pose" (such as standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms raised in a V shape) for two minutes could increase levels of testosterone and decrease levels of cortisol. This led to participants feeling more confident and better able to handle stressful situations.
So, how can you use body language to feel more confident in your daily life? Here are a few techniques to try:
Stand tall: Good posture is key to projecting confidence. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your shoulders back, head up and looking forward. Imagine a string pulling you up from the top of your head.
Make eye contact: When you make eye contact with someone, you signal that you are engaged and present. This can help you feel more confident in social situations.
Use open gestures: Avoid crossing your arms or legs, which can signal defensiveness or discomfort. Instead, use open gestures such as placing your hands on your hips or gesturing with your palms up.
Smile: Smiling can help you feel more positive and approachable. It can also make you appear more confident and in control.
Remember, body language is just one tool in your confidence-building toolkit. It's important to also work on your mindset, self-talk, and other strategies to build lasting confidence. But incorporating confident body language into your daily routine can be a simple and effective way to boost your mood and improve your confidence.
