How good posture can make you feel more confident

It’s amazing how the little things can make us feel more confident in ourselves.

A brand new pair of shoes. A spritz of our favourite perfume or aftershave. Freshly washed and styled hair.

Another thing that can do wonders for our self-esteem? Good posture.

Studies have shown that adopting an ‘expansive’ posture, one where we take up more space by standing tall, can improve our self-image and boost positive emotions.

So, why does good posture make us feel good about ourselves?

1. It makes us feel safer in our surroundings

When we’re upset and defensive, we tend to slouch. This is a protective measure, as by slouching, we’re shielding our internal organs.

By improving our posture and standing straight, we’re sending a message to our brains that we’re happy and safe in our surroundings, providing a well-deserved confidence boost.

2. It helps our brain function better

When we slouch, there’s less space for our lungs, which means we take in reduced levels of oxygen. This means our brain gets less oxygen than usual.

When we have good posture, our brain gets more oxygen, meaning we can think more clearly and act more calmly.

3. It makes us happier

Poor posture is linked to depression. We experience more aches and pains, which can have a negative effect on our well-being.

Conversely, good posture can lead to the release of endorphins, which reduce pain levels and stress, and boost our mood!

4. It makes us believe in ourselves

A 2009 study asked people to write down what they were good and bad at. Half the group sat up straight when they did this, while the others slumped over their desk. The first group was more likely to believe the positive things they wrote than the latter.

The people who participated in this study were influenced by their posture – sitting straight made them feel good, so they were more likely to be positive.

How to transform your posture

As you can see, good posture can significantly boost our confidence and well-being! Here’s how to improve your posture and see the benefits:

• Invest in a posture corrector to keep your muscles and spine in their natural alignment
• Limit the time spent on your mobile phone to reduce the risk of ‘tech neck’
• Choose footwear with good arch support and avoid wearing the same shoes every day
• If you work at a computer, optimise your workspace to improve your posture and prevent slouching
• Take the time to exercise – this strengthens your core and upper back muscles, making it easier to maintain your posture

Whether you’re on a first date or planning to ace an interview, stand up straight, and you’ll have so much more confidence!