Why Your Body Language Can Shape Who You Are
Body language is often a part of being human. People consciously and subconsciously move their bodies and make facial expressions to communicate emotions and thoughts without talking. Due to its significance in human behavior, understanding body language can offer an avenue to understand your mental health and personality.
What is body language?
Body language is a type of nonverbal communication in which physical behavior and body signals are used to express or convey information. Examples of body language include facial expressions, posture, touch, and how individuals manage the space around them.
In some regards, body language can be a more potent form of communication than verbal language. In addition, perceptions of body language can vary depending on one's environment and upbringing. The body language of individuals can shape an individual's personality or showcase factors of their personality to others.
A close analysis of body language
Body language can speak volumes about a person's genuine emotions, level of comfort, and intentions. However, a lot of body language occurs due to the subconscious mind. Research suggests that even a fraction of a second of exposure to facial expressions and body language can help individuals understand how another person feels. When you make observations and assumptions about another person's feelings based on body language, you may be able to respond in a way that addresses emotion and words simultaneously.
Components of body language and how they impact personality
Learning to understand and use body language can be helpful in many situations, including relationships, at home, or on the job. There are several components of body language to consider, some of which may be more significant and impactful than others.
Note that not everyone relates to the typical meanings of body language. Some people might struggle to make facial expressions that match their emotions or may live with an underlying mental health challenge that makes their body language unreadable or incongruent with their symptoms. In these cases, body language may not be the only way to understand the individual's personality.
Facial expressions
Facial expressions are often a significant clue into one's emotions and dispositions. This particular form of body language can motivate the brain to engage in different cognitive processes based on what is observed.
Looking at one's face may give you insight into their mood. For instance, happy people tend to smile. In contrast, discontented people may frown or maintain a stoic facial expression. A bored individual may yawn, and someone who feels angry or impatient may grit their teeth, roll their eyes, or subconsciously tense up their facial muscles.
General perceptions regarding levels of trustworthiness and intelligence may be affected by facial expressions. Individuals who maintain eye contact while speaking may be more likely to be deemed honest and reliable. However, these conclusions are judgments and may not be accurate.
Like the eyes, the mouth can play a critical role in body language and communication via facial expressions. Frowns are often regarded as signs of unhappiness, while smiles are universally perceived as indicators of happiness. Some people cover their mouths when they are yawning or laughing. Tightened mouths or lips often show disapproval, disdain, or a lack of trust. Finally, depending on the setting and circumstances, biting one's lip can convey stress, anxiety, concern, or sexual arousal.
Hand gestures
Unlike some facial expressions, the interpretations of various hand gestures can vary, especially between different cultures and parts of the world. However, hand gestures are often tied to a particular meaning depending on the environment or setting.
For instance, a thumbs-up may be regarded as a nonverbal affirmation of approval, while its inverse, a thumbs-down, is viewed as an expression of disapproval. The waving of one's hand or hands is viewed in many cultures as a way of nonverbally saying "hello" or "goodbye." These forms of non-verbal communication may affirm to others that one is trustworthy, friendly, and non-threatening.
Posture and space
A person's posture may be indicative of their personality and feelings. For instance, standing or sitting upright often communicates high focus, interest, and attention levels. Conversely, slouching, hunching over, or holding one's chin with the palm of a hand tends to convey fatigue, annoyance, disinterest, or boredom.
Allotted amounts of personal space can also send a message. Someone who feels disgusted, fearful, or annoyed with another person may back away or attempt to increase the distance between themselves and the object of their displeasure. Conversely, a confrontational or aggressive individual may invade someone's personal space. In less hostile situations, the close distance between two individuals can indicate an intimate or friendly relationship.
How does body language shape who you are?
Research has suggested that using body language and interpreting it can alter how humans think, which can impact behavior and the consequences of people's decisions. Smiling, for instance, can lower a person's heart rate and reduce stress, even if the smile is fake or forced. This statistic suggests that the brain processes the physical stimuli associated with body language and uses it to guide how to respond.
Humans can be creatures of habit. For this reason, some people form specific postures, facial expressions, or hand gestures when emotions are high. Someone attempting to hide irritation may narrow their eyes and slightly purse their lips. A sad person may tilt their head back to avoid tearing up. Each person may have their own unique body language cues that correspond with different emotional states. As people form relationships with one another, the process of picking up on specific emotions, even those that are concealed, often becomes easier.
Body language can impact your personality by affecting how the world sees you. A person's stance, eye contact, and hand gestures can determine whether they are hired, given a promotion, or asked out on a date. Body language also wields power to impact opportunities, general perceptions, and the people in your life. However, it can be challenging for those who struggle with body language and reading social cues to know how to communicate who they are when their body doesn't.
How to learn more about your body language
Although some people have the power to control their body language, ongoing challenges related to using body language as intended or understanding that of others may be indicative of more than personal preference. Likewise, body language that frequently communicates a low mood, fatigue, or disinterest in connecting with others can point to a mental illness.
Whether you want to learn more about how to use and understand body language or have picked up on how your bodily cues might connect to the way you feel, outside perspective can be a part of kickstarting change. If you face barriers to in-person support, you can use online therapy platforms like BetterHelp to connect with a mental health professional from home.
Some people who pursue online therapy believe it helps them address their concerns effectively. It also observed that online distance could enhance the connection between a therapist and their patients, which may be ideal if the thought of in-person therapy is intimidating.
Takeaway
How does body language shape who you are?
Your body language can play a significant role in shaping who you are and how others perceive you. Here are just a few ways that your body language may shape who you are:
It influences your self-perception.
Standing tall or maintaining an open posture can boost confidence levels, but posture can also influence our emotions— therefore, even tiny tweaks in body posture can potentially alter your mood positively or negatively.
Posture may influence cognitive performance.
Though further research is needed to establish a solid relationship, studies suggest that our mood may influence the speed at which we process information. For example, one 2021 German study published in Science Direct reveals "confirmed effects of postures on mood states using implicit posture manipulation. The researchers also found an effect of posture on processing speed."
Body language can be a source of empowerment.
When guided by mindful intent, body language serves as a tool for self-expression, enabling you to convey emotions or thoughts non-verbally. Awareness of your body language also may allow you to adjust and control certain situations or interactions.
Your posture may impact your mental health.
Good posture can positively impact mental health by improving confidence and reducing stress.
For some people, physical movement focusing on posture, like yoga or tai chi, promotes embodied cognition for mental well-being.
How are we influenced by our own body language?
While it is commonly accepted that our minds influence our bodies (called psychosomatic response), the mechanism for how our body language may shape our mind (somatopsychic response) isn't yet completely understood.
However, many believe that how we position ourselves physically impacts our confidence, emotions, and how we cope with stress. Being mindful of your body language can empower you to convey messages effectively, build stronger relationships, and enhance your overall presence and well-being.
What is Amy Cuddy's definition of a power pose?
Social psychologist Amy Cuddy's TED talk presents her theory that expansive body language, like a wide stance or standing with your hands on your hips (like Wonder Woman), can make you feel more confident, even if you don't feel that way initially. This type of body language is called a "power pose."
(You can view Professor Amy Cuddy's full TED talk "Your Body May Shape Who You Are" here.)
How can body language change your future?
Not only can our body language influence how other people think of us, but we can use another person's body language as a reference to formulate opinions about their character and intentions. Subsequently, we may use these observations every day to make choices that can have a significant impact on our social and professional lives. For example, learning to read body language in an interview can mean the difference between landing the job or not.
Whether it's purposeful or unintended, body language can potentially influence your future in many ways:
It provides communication cues.
Non-verbal communication gestures like facial expressions and body movements can enhance or detract from verbal messages. While engaged in conversation, your body language can convey attentiveness and interest, but it can also give the impression that you're not interested or paying attention.
It shapes the impression you make on others.
Open, expansive postures can convey authority and presence, influencing how others perceive your status. A firm handshake with steady eye contact often signals trustworthiness.
Understanding the body language of others can help form more dynamic relationships.
Understanding and interpreting body language in others is essential for gauging underlying emotions and resolving conflicts. Learning to mirror body language can also create a sense of connection and rapport.
What body language makes you attractive?
Attraction is subjective, so body language that makes you attractive to one person may not for another. Also, it's important to consider that people interpret body language differently, so they may misinterpret your signals or miss them entirely.
Confidence is viewed by many as a considerable part of attractive body language. Standing tall, making eye contact, and having an open posture can signal confidence. Smiling and a relaxed demeanor can also make you more approachable and attractive to others. Mirroring someone else's body language subtly can create a sense of connection and availability, too.
Attractive body language is often less about specific movements and more about being comfortable in your own skin and engaging positively with others.
What body language shows you are attracted to someone?
Your body language can reveal your attraction to another, but again, consider that misinterpretation is possible if you want to use your body language as a hint. Verbal communication is almost always the best way to let someone know your feelings without ambiguity or misunderstanding.
Signs that may let someone know you're interested include:
- Eye Contact— Sustained eye contact, dilated pupils, and frequent glances their way suggests interest and attraction.
- Smiling And Laughter— Genuine smiles, laughter, and a relaxed facial expression convey warmth and availability.
- "Leaning In" And Touch— People tend to move closer to someone to whom they're attracted, reducing personal space. When done well, leaning in can show you're interested. Casual touches on the arm or shoulder can signify attraction.
- Mirroring— Subtle mirroring of the other person's body language or gestures can indicate attraction.
- Open Body Posture— Maintaining a relaxed, open stance facing toward the person with uncrossed arms signals engagement and interest.
- Preening Behaviors— "Flirty" behaviors like fixing hair, adjusting clothing, or grooming gestures might show that you're concerned about your appearance and want to look attractive to the other person.
How does body language impact how another person sees you?
In essence, your body language forms a significant part of how others perceive your confidence, trustworthiness, and overall demeanor. For example, nonverbal cues like facial expressions, gestures, and posture can sometimes convey emotions more powerfully than words. They can enhance or contradict the spoken message, affecting how others interpret what you're saying.
Here are some examples of ways your body language shapes how others see you:
- Robust and confident body language can make you appear more capable. Standing tall, making eye contact, and using open gestures can project confidence and authority.
- Open and consistent non-verbal signals can help create a sense of trustworthiness, while closed-off or defensive gestures can create barriers.
- Positive body language fosters better relationships. Active listening through nodding, maintaining eye contact, and mirroring gestures can signal interest and empathy.
- Leaders with strong body language often inspire and influence others more effectively. Their gestures, expressions, and posture can convey motivation, assurance, and direction.
Can you judge someone by their body language?
Most people use body language to judge another person's character and intentions. In fact, research suggests that this behavior is ingrained in our genetics and can be found throughout the animal kingdom. Because it's such an integral part of how we experience the world, we may not even realize we're judging.
While the ability to read body language is certainly helpful in many situations, there are times when one must exercise caution. For example, contexts like cultural differences can influence how we perceive and understand one another's body language. Some people on the Autism spectrum may send mixed signals through their facial expressions, making it difficult to read their nonverbal cues.
People who are under an excessive amount of stress or pressure may unintentionally send nonverbal signals of aggression. Even someone who's simply in a hurry or preoccupied with a task may convey signals of disinterest. Sometimes, the impression you may get is exactly the opposite of what's actually going on in someone's mind.
How does body language affect a person's impression of you?
Body language affects our first impressions in several ways. It can convey confidence, openness, and friendliness or signal nervousness, disinterest, or discomfort. A firm handshake, eye contact, and an open posture can create a positive impression.
Is the power pose debunked?
Dr. Amy Cuddy's famous TED talk and popular lectures at the Harvard Business School have prompted scientists to attempt to replicate the findings of her 2010 study on power posing.
While it hasn't been necessarily "debunked," researchers have yet to conclude whether the concept can be scientifically validated.
However, even though some scientists have been unable to replicate Amy Cuddy's initial findings, many of the more recent studies on how our posture affects our state of mind show the same overall outcome: people who maintained an open, expansive stance felt more confident and capable.
For example, a recently published meta-analysis of 128 studies measured the impact of a "high power pose" vs. "low power poses" (thought to indicate nonverbal expressions of dominance) and upright vs. slumped postures (nonverbal expressions of prestige) on self-perception. The analysis found that participants who maintained upright power postures were more confident than when they took slumped postures.
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