GREENSBORO, N.C. — Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt the mood? Maybe a friend's excitement rubs off on you, or a colleague's stress puts you on edge. Bet you didn't know that body language can be contagious. Your body language constantly transmits nonverbal cues about your emotions. You pick up on these cues subconsciously, and you can actually influence how you feel.
If someone is smiling and open, it can make you feel happier because it's a form of emotional contagion. Think of a yawn. You see someone yawn, and suddenly, you feel like yawning too. Body language works in a similar way.
And it can work the other way, too. If you're feeling down and slumped over, it can bring down the mood of those around you. This is why people don't like to be around people who bring them down.
The contagion factor of body language is a two-way street. By being mindful of your own body language, you can project more positive emotions. Stand tall, make eye contact, and smile. You might be surprised at how it affects not just yourself, but everyone around you.
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