The Technique
Being new to the university, I have focused my time so far on meeting with students, faculty, and staff in order to gain a better sense of the overall wellness landscape at LU. These connections have helped me discover commonalities in our community’s wishes to be supported and reinforced.
“Wellness” is an extremely vast concept with many moving parts. Thankfully, there are numerous techniques available to support our wellness journey. My belief is that community mental health and wellbeing (physical and mental) directly impacts our support for students. When positive alignment is achieved, this results in a higher level of self-confidence and increases positive energy. It revitalizes the passion within ourselves and within the community. Ultimately, the stronger our overall wellbeing, the more impactful our overall campus and workplace experience will be.
Until we have the opportunity to talk with one another, I thought I could share a couple of self-care techniques that are great to keep on our daily “to do lists.” I have chosen to share the following exercises as they are time-friendly and are incredibly useful during those moments when you may feel a “low point” in your energy and optimism. These techniques can help you be the best version of yourself in that moment, on that day!
For example, if you sit small and closed-off to the world around you, it exposes your insecurities and can lead to a negative mindset. On the other hand, if your posture is strong, open, and inviting, your body radiates confidence that can be seen and felt by everyone, creating a domino effect of positive thoughts and energy.
A Harvard University study by Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, researched the physical and emotional effects of body language, specifically through Power Poses, also known as the Superhero Pose. This study determined that “power posing” for two minutes before a big event, presentation, or difficult task can lead to increased testosterone (increased confidence) and lower cortisol levels (decreased stress). Ultimately, this technique helps to improve overall mood and mindset.
Why I Love It
The Superhero Pose is great for building positive self-perception and only requires two minutes! For me, it is most effective when I need to collect myself to “start fresh” with my next meeting or before a big presentation. This quick technique helps me to push aside any self-doubt, which can be overwhelming and contagious, and harness my most positive and motivating mindset to empower and uplift. Shifting perspective is grounding for me and provides a much-needed focus on the activity or event that is just ahead of me. Plus, it’s fun: I get to channel my inner childhood and become my own superhero!
Technique 2 – Today, I Am Grateful Because…
Life is not perfect – it’s messy. But there are many moments of goodness in this world. That said, the responsibility to acknowledge all the wonderful things in our lives falls on us as individuals. Happines