It is a fairly well known fact that having good posture is very important to maintain a healthy body and that a bad posture can lead to physical problems later in life. But were you aware that a bad posture could also be having a negative effect of your mood and state of mental health?
Studies have even been conducted to find out how posture can actually impact your mood and results consistently show that how you hold your body can dramatically influence your 'happiness' levels. One example is of work conducted by Tal Shafir, Ph.D who is a specialist in dance movement therapy and neuroscience at the University of Haifa in Israel. He recently conducted some research into how movements can affect mood. He claims that, "When we make a gesture and the movements are related to a specific emotion, it can elicit or create that emotion in us". Shafir suggests dancing as good way to do this, or if you don't have music try jumping, skipping and other rhythmic movements.
Other studies have shown that postures such as slouching and walking with hunched
shoulders send 'sad' signals to our brain. Whereas certain lighter happy
movements can send 'happy' signals to our brain, brightening our mood.
So the next time you are standing talking to someone or perhaps out walking the dog, take a moment to notice your own posture. Are you slouching, leaning forward or staring at the ground? If so, try standing tall, hold your head up and look up to the sky and see how it makes you feel!
These techniques, combined with hypnotherapy, could be used to help improve your overall well being. If you are interested to find out more, please email Christy: christy@christyhypnotherapy.com.
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