Try a Power Pose for Paruresis

Your shy bladder can make you want to crawl away and hide, but you can combat that feeling by simply changing the way you’re positioning your body. Yes, instant results in certain situations may be that easy!

A power pose is an open and expansive posture that portrays confidence and, well, power. Power pose examples researchers found helpful include:

  • Standing with your hands on your hips and feet shoulder-width apart
  • Standing with you feet shoulder-width apart with your arms in the air forming a “V” (for victory!)
  • Sitting and leaning back, with your extended legs propped on a desk or table and your arms folded behind your head

Since your brain takes cues from your body just as readily as your body takes cues from your brain, placing your body in a powerful, confident stance. Don’t believe it? Try it! Just make sure your boss is not about to walk in and find you leaning back at your desk with your feet propped on it. That may not go over too well.

Ideal places to try power poses include before a situation or event that normally zaps your confidence. You may be amazed at how a little body language can garner big results when it comes to anxiety that comes with shy bladder.

Read more about power poses and the researchers who brought them to light: