Hello Lykkers! Have you ever stood tall like a superhero and felt just a bit stronger, more grounded, and a little more in control? That’s the idea behind the “power pose”—a posture meant to project confidence.

But can standing like a hero for a couple of minutes really change how someone feels about themselves? Let’s take a closer look together and see what science says about it, and more importantly, how posture and self-esteem work hand in hand.

Understanding the Power Pose

What is a Power Pose?

A power pose, often called the “superhero stance,” involves standing with feet apart, chest lifted, and hands placed firmly on the hips or stretched confidently.

This pose gained global attention thanks to social psychologist Amy Cuddy, who introduced the concept in a well-known public talk in 2012. She proposed that this kind of body language could influence one’s confidence and emotional state.

The Theory Behind It

The concept is built on the idea that how one holds their body can influence inner feelings and behaviors. For instance, open and expansive postures are believed to signal strength and control, while closed postures may signal discomfort or hesitation.

According to initial studies, these confident stances might even influence certain hormones linked to stress and mood. However, more recent research offers a more cautious perspective on these claims.

How to Practice the Power Pose

Step-by-Step Guide

To try a power pose:

- Stand upright with your feet aligned with your shoulders.

- Open your chest by letting your shoulders fall naturally.

- Keep your chin slightly raised and look ahead confidently.

- Place your hands firmly on your hips or extend your arms to the sides.

- Hold the pose for about two minutes.

Why Use It?

This technique can be useful before events where confidence is important, such as:

- Job interviews or important meetings.

- Academic presentations or exams.

- Group discussions or team leadership roles.

- Social gatherings where a calm presence is useful.

- Moments of nervousness or stress, to help create a sense of readiness.

The Link Between Posture and Self-Perception

Body Language Reflects Inner Feelings

How one stands and moves can reveal a lot about how they see themselves. People who feel unsure often display closed body language—crossed arms, hunched shoulders, or downward gazes.

In contrast, those who feel secure often maintain an open posture, upright back, and steady eye contact.

Perception vs. Reality

What research seems to support is that power posing doesn’t necessarily transform a person’s character but can shift how they perceive themselves in the moment. This shift might lead to temporary boosts in focus or reduced tension, especially before facing a challenge.

What the Research Says

Findings from Recent Studies

A study published in 2022 by Körner and colleagues focused on how posture might influence self-confidence. It found that participants who adopted strong, open stances experienced a measurable increase in self-esteem compared to others who used low-power or neutral postures.

Details from the Study

The study involved both laboratory and real-world environments. Those using strong stances felt more assured in both settings. Interestingly, participants using closed or neutral stances showed little to no change. This may suggest that the effect is not as much about decreasing self-confidence but rather about what is gained through an empowered posture.

Time and Technique Matter

Compared to earlier research, this study used longer posture sessions and varied body positions, hinting that duration and form may play important roles. Still, more studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of posture on confidence.

Simple Ways to Improve Confidence

Practice Self-Acceptance

Confidence grows when individuals learn to accept their strengths and limits. Everyone has their own pace and path.

Care for the Body and Mind

Good habits—such as staying active, eating healthfully, and resting well—can influence how a person feels about themselves.

Build on Strengths

Focusing on skills and hobbies boosts feelings of accomplishment and growth.

Challenge Negative Thoughts

Learning to recognize and replace self-doubts with positive, supportive thoughts helps build inner strength.

Seek Support

Sharing time with kind and supportive people helps create a positive space that encourages growth.

Celebrate Progress

Acknowledging small victories helps build trust in one's own abilities and keeps motivation high.

In more serious situations, where self-confidence deeply affects daily life, speaking with a professional in the mental well-being field may be a helpful step. There are effective approaches that focus on changing negative thinking patterns and developing practical skills.

Conclusion: Small Shifts, Big Impact

Lykkers, while standing like a superhero might not turn anyone into one overnight, adopting a confident posture can help set a positive tone before facing challenges. Self-esteem is shaped over time by actions, thoughts, and self-perception.

A power pose may be a small piece of a bigger puzzle—but it's one more tool that can encourage inner strength and focus. Stand tall, breathe deep, and take every day as an opportunity to grow.