Sometimes we know exactly what the source of our anxious feeling is, but other times, it’s tougher to pinpoint. And it turns out, our nervous systems pick up on all kinds of signals that can affect our mood, even if we’re not aware of them. Feeling anxious can give you physical experience of shaking hands, shortness of breath and an upset stomach, but changing your physical position may have an affect on your mood, too.
Aaron Alexander, a manual therapist and movement coach, explains how to tweak your posture and more to help when you’re feeling anxious.
- Fix your posture - If your posture is hunched over, with your shoulders rolled in and your head dropped down, Alexander calls that “a structure that is depressed in the literal sense.” You’re literally pulling your body down and he says that can shape the way you feel, but you’ve got the power to change your body position and change the way you feel. According to one study, 86% of college students had an easier time accessing depressive memories when they were slumped over and an easier time accessing uplifting memories in an upright position. So your body position really can influence your mood.
- Listen to a crackling fire - Do you feel instantly calmer when you’re near a warm, crackling fire? Alexander says there’s a good evolutionary reason why: the fire signals to your autonomic nervous system that you’re protected and safe. And modern research backs that up, as one study finds that fireplaces and campfires can make us feel relaxed and lower blood pressure, too. But don’t worry if you don’t have a fireplace, Alexander says virtual fires work just as well, as long as they have the crackling sounds.
- Look up - It’s not just your slumped body posture that can bring your mood down, so can your gaze. According to Alexander, looking down can also bring down your energy. He says it signals to your autonomic nervous system that “it’s time to get sleepy,” but on the flip side, looking up supercharges the senses. That sends the message that it’s time to get up and get creative and that’s why experts recommend gazing at wide distances if you find yourself in a creative slump.
Check out the full article for yourself at Mind Body Green