For a very long time it was thought that the mind was in charge of our body. However, it turns out that the opposite can also take place - the body can have a strong influence on our mind.
The fact that the body plays such important roles in processes hitherto thought to depend solely on the mind can be used to our advantage. The awareness that sensations influence cognitive processes can be used to manipulate our behaviour, emotions, perceptions to achieve a specific effect.
A lift of the head, an upright posture, clenched fists - these few little things can make us accept bad news more easily, feel less pain or be more motivated to act.
photo ojoimages
The effect the body has on the mind is undeniable. Research by Fritz Strack has shown that our facial expressions influence our emotions (rather than emotions influencing facial expressions). The researcher proved that when we smile, we send signals to the brain that it is good, resulting in good humour, softer judgement of others, etc. Of course, in the case of a grimace or a sad face, the effect on our mood is just as noticeable. So let's smile more often, even when we have no reason to do so.
