12th
July
2007
Optimism and Posture
posted in Structural Integration, Research & Science, Medical Community |This was sent to me from the fantastic Structural Integrator in Fort Worth, Texas - Rey Allen. I don’t know where he found it but…
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“Optimism is a learned skill and there are a variety of ways to acquire it, says psychologist Mary Ann Troiani, co-author of Spontaneous Optimism. Through her research, Troiani has come up with three things that you can do to enhance your sense of optimism. First, straighten out your body before your emotions by keeping a straight body posture, taking big steps and walking quickly with your shoulders back and your head up. “People who are pessimistic walk slowly with small steps and their head down,” she says. Second, change your tone of voice so that it is cheerful and full of energy. Third, use upbeat or happier words, such as “challenge” rather than “problem,” or think of “opportunities” rather than “losses.” “Positive thoughts and behavior have a positive impact on the brain’s biochemistry,” she says. “[They] boost your serotonin levels and signal that you’re happy. Your brain will catch up to you.” Troiani reminds us: it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to really change a habit.”
Further google searching uncovered the Finding Optimism site and there was an article that went on to suggest:
- “A study led by Brian Meier, a psychologist at North Dakota State University, concluded that posture does affect mood. The study found that emotions have a highly physical basis, so sad thoughts could lead to a slumped posture with the eyes directed down, and happy thoughts to a more upright posture and the eyes looking up. They found the reverse to be true as well. Simply looking up could give a physical boost, that in turn leads to better posture and a better mood.”
Hmmm. Interesting. Is there anyone who knows how to straighten out body posture permanently? I wonder…