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We all know that our body language affects how people see us. But does it also shape how we see ourselves? According to Ammy Cuddy, social psychologist talks about “How your body language shape who you are” and how our posture can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain and change our feelings about ourselves. That means that standing high and proud – even when we don’t feel confident, can have a positive impact on how we’re perceived. So we invite you to take a look in the mirror and practice your postures, your next success could be depending on your pose.

So how can you start making this kind of impact at work now? Here are five simple power poses you can start practicing now.

1. Stand up:  if you’re leading a presentation do not sit down, simply stand up,  in that way you can command attention and respect which is also linked to better performance. The way you stand in the workplace can make a huge impact on those around you
2. Stand up and lean over the table:  Women often when they work with a lot of men,  don’t have a height advantage, and regularly condense themselves when sitting down and take up as little space as possible, but you really need to do the opposite. Did you know that birds make themselves bigger and more powerful by spreading their wings? You can also do it too.
3. Sit with your arm spread out around the chair next to you:  this move shows power and dominance, even if you’re sitting, then you still need to try to make yourself as big as possible.
4. Stay in a power position even when no one can see you: If you’re on a rough phone call or writing a really big email, practice your power stances. They’ll make you feel stronger. Plus, standing is literally better for your body and can make you more alert.
5. Pretend you’re Wonder Woman: You don’t have to be a superhero to command attention: you just have to stand like one. Did you know that Beyoncé, Christine Lagarde, and also Oprah most of the time are standing with their feet apart and their hands on your hips?  For you may feel odd at first, but this is a power pose in its essence, this isn’t about what you body language is communication to others; it’s about what your body language is communicating to you.

“Your body language is changing your mind, which changes your behavior, which changes your outcomes.” – Ammy Cuddy.

Try to practice all the time and if you cannot do it well FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT.

Original Link: Meredith Lepore