Embodied Cognition

When we experience something at the mental level, our physical and emotional levels are also automatically triggered. This is also valid for the opposite situation. So, in a way, it is also possible to influence the cognitive state with the posture of the body. This situation is called embodied cognition.

How Does Embodied Cognition Work?

There are thousands of factors, such as the tension of the internal joints, the angle of the joints. Also, the tension of the skin, the length/shape of the muscles or the changes in the muscles, and the amount of load on the tendons. These are constantly transferring information to our central nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Even if we are not aware of it, our Brain takes our body as a guide and uses our shape and posture to deduce our mood. The best example of this is working out. As we exercise, our muscles change, and our posture improves. We learn the correct breathing techniques, and we index these to our lives. Besides physical health, this is why it has great benefits for our mental health.

Posture

It is a well-known fact that good posture is relevant to self-confidence. Because it is an interactive process, a good posture fools our brain due to the reasons we have mentioned above. Reducing the release of cortisol known as stress hormone, which causes relaxation and increased self-confidence. So, you can boost your mood by simply doing a superhero stance for 2 minutes before entering a tense environment. You can feel the effects of the posture on your body in a short time.

Movement

Arm crossing has been related with defensiveness, rejection, and unyielding attitude. Recently, studies show that it also may be related to perseverance. In a study, the subjects who were divided into two groups were measured how long they would work on the task before giving up. One group crossed their arms during their attempts, and the other uncrossed their arms. As a result, the group holding their arms crossed endured longer than the other group.

Conscious Breathing

We started life with a breath and when leaving this life, the last thing we leave in life will be our breath again. All of our mental states are reflected in the way we breathe. We breathe quickly when we are excited, hold our breath for a while when we are overwhelmed by something, and take a deep breath when we relax.  Also, we can increase our awareness and improve our sensations by breathing consciously for a certain period of time during the day. This feeling relaxes our body and gives us happiness. Scientific research also suggests that conscious breathing may enhance symptoms or conditions. These include but aren’t limited to stress, depression, asthma, panic attacks, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and insomnia.

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