The Art and Science of Tricking Your Brain
What the research says about ‘fake it til you make it’
During difficult times in your life, perhaps you’ve been told to “take a deep breath” or “try to smile more.” Anxious about that big presentation at work? Just “stand up tall with confidence, and everything will be fine.”
But to what extent is this kind of advice actually helpful? Can that forced smile trick your brain into believing that you’re happy, and can that upright posture give you a feeling of confidence? Is it possible to change how you think or feel through physically changing your body?
The answer is yes.
But first, take a deep breath
Your body and mind are inextricably linked. So it follows that the way you breathe with your lungs can affect your mental state and the way you process stress with your brain.
Most people are aware that breathing deeply helps you to relax and has a powerful effect on how you feel. When you’re stressed or overwhelmed, a deep breath can help bring your attention toward bodily sensations and away from whatever is making you feel anxious. It’s harder for something to scare you when you’re distracted by something else.
