Have you ever found yourself with your head in your hands at the end of a long day’s work, or slumped over in defeat following a particularly difficult argument with a friend or partner? You may think that your body language is a natural response to your experiences, but what if the connection ran both ways? Research shows that our posture is directly linked to our moods and ability to recall positive memories, and that in changing how we hold our bodies we can influence our own moods.
The work of San Francisco State University professor Erik Peper has demonstrated that there is a close link between your body language, feelings, and thoughts.[1] Specifically, Peper has shown that when individuals make a conscious effort to stand or sit up straight, they are better able to recall happy memories, and to feel more positive about life in general.
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Continued research in this study has backed up this notion that the mind follows where the body leads. For example, people who are forced to smile are more likely to find a joke amusing than those who are allowed complete control over their facial expressions.
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This line of thinking is not new. The philosopher and psychologist William James (1842-1910) was among the first academics to speculate whether our body language merely reflected our emotional state, or played a more active role in dictating our mood. James’s belief that our feelings are shaped not only by external events, but the way we respond to them is enjoying increasing support from contemporary science.
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So the next time you need a quick boost, why not change your mind by changing the way in which you hold your body? It could make all the difference and leave you feeling significantly happier.
Instagram allows you to see exactly what inspires people and how creativity is drawn from their everyday life. We use Instagram to capture what makes us smile, what brings joy to our life, and what we are passionate about, and the accounts listed below are sure to inspire you in turn.
Here are our 20 top creative Instagram accounts that you should be following today.
Brandon Stanton walks the streets of New York City taking street photography, and he gets his subjects to open up about life details that even many family members may not know about them. It makes you smile and connect with the images at a new level.
Carin Olsson moved to Paris and is documenting every part of her experience, from the macaroons to the Eiffel Tower with all of its shimmering lights. If you want to go to Paris but can’t get there today, Carin will take you.
George Bryant offers up more than his love for cooking Paleo cuisine as he shares more about life, joy, and happiness. His coined hashtag is #hugsandbacon.
Ida Skivenes has developed a knack for food art. From the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Strawberry Fields Forever, she has recreated it all with food.
Grandma Betty is fighting cancer and is inspiring others to smile and be happy in life. She brings a smile to your face instantly and is like having your grandma right beside you.
Tania Ahsan captures the world of her cute bulldog, Maya, on her adventures in New York. Maya makes appearances that will make you smile, laugh, and inspire you to go out and create something special.
Jacob Santiago creates stunning, vibrant images around New York City, showcasing the architecture and streets. I’m sure you haven’t seen the streets of NYC like this before.
Julie Lee showcases how everyday produce can create colorful art designs. At first glance, you think it is just a design; then, a second take illustrates that it is really fruits and vegetables.
Willie Kessel brings beach life right to your smartphone. Amazing surf and lifestyle images that take your mind off of all of the work and stress in your life.
Nick Ulivieri is a talented photographer who loves to capture the windy city of Chicago and skies, especially during storms. His images are gorgeous and make you realize how wonderful life really is.
Jo Jerry’s landscape photos around Santorini, Greece, make you want to book a flight immediately. The bright colors and simplicity in the images make his photos stand out from the rest.
GoPro uses fan-sourced images on their account that are all captured with a GoPro. Creativity to the max is used in these images and range from the grocery store to incredible surf.
Vin Farrell is a creative who works on the agency side for large clients and has a knack for photography. His iPhone captures amazing aerial images around NYC and the world.
