How Your Posture Can Influence Your Emotions - Tips for Autistics

 

How Your Posture Can Influence Your Emotions -  Tips for Autistics

Did you know that the way you sit or stand can impact how you feel? Research by Peper and Lin (2012) has shown that adopting certain body positions can significantly influence your emotional state. For example, sitting upright can boost your mood and energy levels, while slouching can make you feel more down or even depressed.

Why This Matters for Autistics

For many autistics, understanding and managing emotions can be a unique challenge. However, becoming aware of how body posture affects feelings can be a simple yet effective tool for emotional regulation.

Here’s how posture can help:

• Boost Mood: Standing or sitting up straight can naturally elevate your mood and increase your energy levels.
• Manage Emotions: When feeling anxious or low, adjusting your posture to a more upright position can help improve your emotional state.
• Easy to Implement: This strategy doesn’t require any special equipment or training. Just being mindful of your posture can make a difference!

Quick Tips to Try:

• Check Your Posture: Throughout the day, notice if you’re slouching. Straighten up to see if it changes how you feel.
• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities like stretching or gentle yoga to improve body awareness and posture.
• Encourage Awareness: Have people around you check in on you and perhaps gently remind you about posture as a tool for emotional management. 

By paying attention to your body position, you can take control of your emotional well-being in a simple and effective way. Give it a try and see how a small change in posture can make a big difference!

Peper, E., & Lin, I. (2012). Increase or decrease depression: How body postures influence your energy level. Biofeedback, 40(3), 125-130.- They found that an upright posture can promote a more positive mood and energy levels, while a slumped posture can lead to increased feelings of depression.