The Enthusiasm Hack: How your body can change your mind
In a rush to stay calm in the modern world, I think we have forgotten the key skill of ‘enthusiasm’. As Quintilian would say:
“A good man speaks not just to persuade, but to uplift.”
And it doesn’t matter whether you are speaking, be it on a stage or in a meeting.
But how do you do it?
I grew up with my mother rejecting all claims of boredom or lack of enthusiasm from me as a recalcitrant teenager..
“Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic!”
. . . she would announce in a singsong four/four rhythm.
(These days it is attributed to Dale Carnegie, but I’m sure it should be attributed to my mum.)
In other words, how we achieve enthusiasm is not by thinking about it. My mum was ahead of her time, but today, the idea that the body influences the mind, as well as the other way around, is increasingly supported across a wide range of disciplines, from neuroscience and psychology to somatics and embodied cognition. Rather than seeing the mind and body as separate, modern science and ancient wisdom alike now affirm that they are deeply interconnected. Our posture, facial expressions, breathing patterns, and physical habits don’t just reflect our mental state, they actively shape it.
So here are some tips:
Stand tall
Stand up straight. One of the most accessible ways the body influences the mind is through posture. Studies in embodied cognition and psychology show that slouched or collapsed postures are linked with lower mood, reduced confidence, and even diminished memory recall. Conversely, upright and open postures can trigger more positive emotions, enhance confidence, and reduce stress.
Breathe
Breathe is another powerful link between body and mind. The autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion, responds directly to our breathing patterns. Get the breath low in your body and then get it out of your body – lots of it.
Smile
The facial feedback hypothesis, supported by both psychological and neurological research, suggests that facial expressions not only communicate emotions but also help generate them. For example, smiling even artificially, can lead to increased feelings of happiness, while frowning can reinforce feelings of sadness or frustration. Smile, even if you don’t feel like it. The brain apparently can’t tell the difference.
Move
Movement disciplines like dance therapy, Feldenkrais, and Alexander Technique are built on the principle that physical movement shapes mental patterns. Studies show that engaging in rhythmic, coordinated movement can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhance self-awareness, and build emotional resilience.
I am not suggesting you break into a boogie woogie while presenting your business case. I am suggesting you get up and move or at least move in your chair.
In summary, the body is not merely a vessel for the mind, it is an active partner in shaping thought, emotion and behaviour. So, as my mum would say:
“Act enthusiastic and you’ll be enthusiastic”
