Body Posture and Cravings
Disregulated eaters often find that
tips and techniques in managing cravings are as useful as understanding what
drives unwanted eating. We know that our mental attitude affects how we feel in
our bodies and vice versa, but what about our posture? Could that affect our emotions and actions
around food? Turns out that it might.
In “The right stance can be
reassuring” (Sarasota Herald-Tribune,
6/11/13, Health and Fitness, p. 7E), Kate Murphy reports that “expansive
postures release a flood of hormones that make you feel more positive and at
ease. Striking a commanding pose can change how you perceive yourself….” She
says that recent studies suggest that “posture may precipitate, rather than
just reflect emotions. How you carry yourself can actually change your mood,
which greatly affects how you approach situations and solve problems…” This
makes sense. Think of what actors do to get into playing a part: they walk or
stand like the person or character they’re portraying. Consider the approach of
speakers when they’re about to give a presentation or speech: they stride
purposefully onto the stage with shoulders back, spine straight, and heads
held high.
Research done by Amy Cuddy, social
psychologist and associate professor at Harvard Business School, shows that
“assuming an expansive pose (think Wonder Woman with legs planted apart and
hands on her hips) for two minutes will increase testosterone and lower
cortisol in your b...
Source: Normal Eating - Category: Eating Disorders Authors: eatnormalnow Source Type: blogs
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