Body Language and Mental Health
What
is Body Language?
Body
language is the expression of emotion you use when you don't say anything.
When you hear the word "communication," you probably think of
"words," "speeches," and "presentations."
Communication, however, entails a lot more than words. You can communicate
extremely well with your body without saying a single word. Every portion of
your body has the ability to communicate as well as, if not better than, words.
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Everything
tells something about how you stand, hold your head, and position your palms,
hands, arms, and legs. Sometimes you can pick up on an unspoken message in an
instant, such as when someone is hostile, and other times it takes some time.
Many
views exist regarding just how much communication we actually
express through body language. The Mehrabian theory, developed by Dr.
Albert Mehrabian, argues that around 7% of expression is
carried through words, 38 % through tone of voice, and a staggering
55 % through body language. In other words, nonverbal communication accounts
for 93 % of all communication.
Why is Body Language
Important?
Something
with a 93 percent probability is noteworthy. This amount, even if many claims it
is approximate, is enormously amazing. This demonstrates how vital it is to
understand how to interpret body language because the true message is conveyed
through it. It is crucial to understand what the other individual is trying
to say. This kind of knowledge would greatly simplify your life.
Even
if they don't understand how to comprehend body language, most people can
"catch up on the signals." For instance, you walk into a room and
"know" whether the individuals were pleasant or arguing over
something.
The
physiological expression of the individuals in the room will "tell"
you the mood instantaneously, albeit you won't be able to explain why if asked.
Learning
to read the body language correctly is a talent like any other. We all adore Sherlock
Holmes and his extraordinary powers of observation. Detectives, FBI agents,
intelligence and espionage personnel, skilled gamblers, magicians, and others
are trained in the skill of interpreting body language. They utilize this
expertise to deceive you into thinking they are what they are not.
Your
body will transmit several signals unintentionally. You might cringe at the
visuals of vomit or feces on a platter, but you might smile at the sight of a
kitten playing, a flower blooming, or a racecar or horse racing with passion.
Getting to know what such signals are would allow you to regulate communication
and "transmit" the message you wish to send. Knowing how to read body
language will help you: - establish and maintain leadership in the face of
competition; - create a friendly and supportive environment whether formal and
informal wherever you go; - amplify and optimize your persuasion powers,
allowing you to persuade people to execute what you wish for them to do; - win
people's trust; - make sure that you pick friends, colleagues, employees, and
so on better.
These
are just a few of the advantages of learning to understand body language. The
best part is that you will be able to maintain control in most situations since
you will know not only how to interpret other people's signals but also when
and when to deliver them. That sounds like a surefire recipe for success!
How is Body Language an
extension of your mental health?
Certain
mental health issues might also have an effect on someone's body language. Someone
suffering from social anxiety
may struggle to meet and maintain someone's gaze, for example.
People
who prefer not to be touched might not even shake hands or be embracing when meeting
strangers. Being aware of some people's restrictions regarding casual touch can
assist you to avoid presuming someone dislikes you.
Someone
who suffers from social anxiety
will most likely display a lot of "closed" actions that give the
impression that they would rather not be contacted.
For instance-crossing their arms, gazing down, or standing apart all scream, "Leave me alone."
Here are a few more examples of unfavorable body language behavior anxiety might make one do:
- Awkward
or phony grins
- Keeping
arms crossed
- Fidgeting
- Absence
of eye contact
- Looking
downward
- Leaving
people behind
- Slouching
When
someone is depressed,
their body movement usually slows down. Internally, it may appear that
activities are more difficult to complete, or that regular chores need more
effort than usual. You may notice someone strolling or walking more slowly as
an observer.
According
to research, individuals who sit in a rigid chair are less willing to be
complacent than those who sit in a comfortable chair, whereas those who
hold warm drinks find others to be extra loving and giving compared to people
who hold cold drinks. According to this study, body language is a two-way road
that connects to both the outside and inside worlds.
Feel
free to connect with the Best Psychologist near me
at TalktoAngel for more information on body language issues.
If you consider that
you or your need and dear is having challenges with communication or body
language issues or would like to improve communications, you may consult
Best Clinical Psychologist in India at the multiplication clinic Psychowellness Center at Dwarka, Janakpuri,
Gurgaon, Vasant Vihar, Faridabad, and Delhi NCR.
Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri & Ms. Varshini Nayyar
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