Change Your Posture, Change Your State


Have you ever felt emotionally low and noticed that your posture started to slump along with your mood?

What about when you were feeling really happy and uplifted, did you notice that your body naturally opened up and you even felt that you could stand taller?

Are our physical and emotional states linked?

I believe the answer is yes— the body and mind or Bodymind is an interconnected system.

Your posture reflects your habitual movement patterns and your habitual mental and emotional states.

A Postural Slump


Try this quick experiment to see how posture affects your emotions:

  1. Stand in front of a mirror and allow your body to slump—chest down, arms forward and let your head poke forward.
  2. Ask yourself: How do I feel right now? What kinds of thoughts come to mind?
  3. Take it further—go for a short walk while letting your feet drag, shoulders slump, and head forward.
  4. Now, check in: How do I feel?

Okay, shake that off! Jump up and down a few times.

Did you notice how your posture affected your mental and emotional state?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with adopting a collapsed posture when you’re feeling low—it’s a normal response. The issue arises when this posture becomes habitual, keeping you stuck in a particular mental, emotional and physical state.

This may be another explanation as to why you may not be getting the mental and emotional changes you want. The body may be the missing piece.

It’s also why there are so many positive effects from exercise, both physical and mental.

A Postural Uplift


Now, let’s explore the opposite:

  1. Stand in front of a mirror and imagine a string gently pulling your sternum (upper chest) upward, let your arms naturally roll back and your head upwards.
  2. Place your hands by your sides, feet wide apart—assume a strong, confident “superhero” stance.
  3. Ask yourself: How do I feel right now? What thoughts come to mind?
  4. Walk around with this posture and notice how your emotions shift to match your uplifted posture.

Do you feel different compared to when you were slumped?

Change Your State


By intentionally adopting a more upright and open posture, we can influence our mental and emotional state for the short term.

Bodywork and exercises is a fantastic way to influence for the longterm.

This can be a simple yet powerful tool, especially during moments of mental and emotional distress.

Similarly, breathing plays a significant role. If I breathe fast and shallow through my upper chest for a minute, I might start to feel anxious or excited – this can be useful depending on the siutaion. But if I breathe low and slow into my belly through my nose, I can activate a relaxation response, calming my mind and body.

Our physiology and psychology are deeply interconnected.

Shift Your State in Three Steps


Next time you’re feeling stuck in a mental and emotional state, try this:

  1. Postural Uplift – Find lift in your body, let your ribcage/sternum and head gently lift like in the postural uplift test.
  2. Breathe – Slow, deep breaths through your nose will help connect you to your diaphragm, this will help regulate your nervous system and calm the mind.
  3. Ask Yourself an Empowering Question:
    • What am I grateful for right now?
    • What is great about this challenge?
    • What can I learn from this?

A Change of Posture and a Change of State Through ATSI


Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI) is another powerful way to shift both your physical and emotional state for the longterm.

The ATSI 12 session series offers a unique, holistic approach to fostering improved postural awareness. By working directly with the fascial system, ATSI addresses both the physical and sensory aspects of the body, promoting proprioception, improved habitual patterns, and supporting nervous system regulation. This can have a profound change on the mental and emotional component of the Bodymind.

In the first session, we work on the superficial front line—the muscles and fascia running vertically along the front of your body.

Many clients report feeling physically lighter and emotionally uplifted after this session.

By addressing posture and movement patterns, we can break free from habitual tension and experience greater ease—both in body and mind.

To learn more explore the services area of the website or book your first session below.

Thanks for reading,

Lewis

Before and After SFL session