Nourish
How Posture Can Improve Your Mood
Robyn Downs is a barre3 client and Founder of Real Food Whole Life, a blog dedicated to helping others live healthy and happy lives. Below, she talks about how postural changes can help us tap into the power of the mind-body connection.
You know that moment. You’re in class, holding a powerful pose like Crescent Lunge or Primary Posture. You stand strong, feet grounded, chest bright, heart open. You’re breathing big—you feel like you can take on the world.
For awhile, I attributed this rush of happy endorphins, strength, and confidence to the fact that I was surrounded by great people at the studio and doing something good for my body. Recently, however, I learned there’s more to it.
The Science of Power Posing
By now, you’ve probably heard about the mind-body connection, the idea that our emotions affect our physical health. But did you know that the equation also works in reverse, that the state of our physical body influences how we feel emotionally?
A great example of this is power posing, which social psychologist Amy Cuddy discusses in her awesome TED talk. Cuddy explains how standing in positions of confidence, even when you don’t feel confident, causes positive chemical changes in the brain. Expansive postures can actually change our minds and moods.
When I learned about power posing, something clicked. I immediately made the connection with barre3 postures. Primary Posture, Plank at the bar, Crescent Lunge—these are all power poses! In fact, the entire barre3 flow is made up of freeing body positions that build strength.
What’s more, barre3 poses help to counteract the slumping we do in daily life, which research also suggests can impact our overall happiness and wellbeing. The slouching we do in our cars, at our computers, and on our phones can negatively impact on our mood, making us feel more depressed, and less resilient to emotional stress.
Power Your Mood With Posture
It’s pretty incredible to realize that the way we use our bodies has the power to change not just our moods but our actual brain chemistry. Whether it’s through a barre3 class or simply standing tall with your feet firmly rooted to the ground, your abs engaged, hands on your hips, your chest open, remember that you can rely on your body to help you through emotionally challenging moments.
Next time you’re about to have a difficult conversation, or you’re gearing up for a big presentation or meeting at work, let your body lead the way. An adjustment in posture can empower you in the moment and help strengthen your confidence so that you feel unstoppable for the rest of the day.
Photo by Elizabeth Sattelberger
Robyn Downs is a barre3 client and Founder of Real Food Whole Life, a blog dedicated to helping others live healthy and happy lives. Below, she talks about how postural changes can help us tap into the power of the mind-body connection.
You know that moment. You’re in class, holding a powerful pose like Crescent Lunge or Primary Posture. You stand strong, feet grounded, chest bright, heart open. You’re breathing big—you feel like you can take on the world.
For awhile, I attributed this rush of happy endorphins, strength, and confidence to the fact that I was surrounded by great people at the studio and doing something good for my body. Recently, however, I learned there’s more to it.
The Science of Power Posing
By now, you’ve probably heard about the mind-body connection, the idea that our emotions affect our physical health. But did you know that the equation also works in reverse, that the state of our physical body influences how we feel emotionally?
A great example of this is power posing, which social psychologist Amy Cuddy discusses in her awesome TED talk. Cuddy explains how standing in positions of confidence, even when you don’t feel confident, causes positive chemical changes in the brain. Expansive postures can actually change our minds and moods.
When I learned about power posing, something clicked. I immediately made the connection with barre3 postures. Primary Posture, Plank at the bar, Crescent Lunge—these are all power poses! In fact, the entire barre3 flow is made up of freeing body positions that build strength.
What’s more, barre3 poses help to counteract the slumping we do in daily life, which research also suggests can impact our overall happiness and wellbeing. The slouching we do in our cars, at our computers, and on our phones can negatively impact on our mood, making us feel more depressed, and less resilient to emotional stress.
Power Your Mood With Posture
It’s pretty incredible to realize that the way we use our bodies has the power to change not just our moods but our actual brain chemistry. Whether it’s through a barre3 class or simply standing tall with your feet firmly rooted to the ground, your abs engaged, hands on your hips, your chest open, remember that you can rely on your body to help you through emotionally challenging moments.
Next time you’re about to have a difficult conversation, or you’re gearing up for a big presentation or meeting at work, let your body lead the way. An adjustment in posture can empower you in the moment and help strengthen your confidence so that you feel unstoppable for the rest of the day.
Photo by Elizabeth Sattelberger
