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Shifting from stress to a state of relaxed awareness is all about tuning into your body’s natural “reset” mechanisms. Here are some gentle ways to use your body to let go of tension and step into a calm, balanced state.
The way you hold and move your body directly affects your state of mind. Research shows that adopting powerful, open postures can elevate confidence and influence how others perceive you, as well as how you perceive yourself. Practicing “power poses” — like standing tall with shoulders back and chest open — for even a few minutes triggers the release of testosterone (linked to confidence) and reduces cortisol (stress hormone).
How to use it:
Take a look at the TED talk by Harvard researcher Amy Cuddy. How you hold your body has a great impact on your testosterone (yes – ladies have that hormone too) and cortisol (the stress hormone).
2. Breathwork for Instant Focus and Calm
Controlled breathing techniques can help you tap into a calm yet energized state, ideal for performing at your best. The breath is directly connected to your nervous system, so by controlling it, you can shift your state from stressed to steady.
Powerful techniques include:
In this video, I combine four of these techniques.
Feeling grounded physically — especially through your feet — helps anchor your mind in the present moment and brings stability to your energy. Engaging your core and spine gives you an added sense of strength and balance, reinforcing a confident, powerful state.
How to use it:
4. Eye Focus for Enhanced Clarity
Your eyes can help set the tone for your state of excellence by guiding your attention and intention. Softening your gaze when you need calm or narrowing it for tasks requiring laser focus can help control your mental and emotional states.
How to use it:
5. Movement and Energy Priming
Movement primes your energy, setting the stage for a state of excellence by activating your entire body and lifting your mood. Energizing yourself through intentional movement boosts dopamine and endorphins, lifting your sense of motivation and enthusiasm.
Techniques to try:
Using your body to access a powerful state of excellence means understanding and directing your physiology intentionally. It’s about creating a harmonious relationship between your mind, body, and breath to optimize your focus, clarity, and calm.
By developing and practicing these techniques consistently, you’re training yourself to access peak performance on command. Excellence becomes a state that you step into — with confidence, control, and intention.
If you’d like to learn more about how to tame your stressors using proven techniques based on neuroscience and positive psychology, I invite you to schedule a complimentary 1:1 discovery call with me right here.