Let’s be honest: most self-love practices feel like they’re designed for people who already have their lives together. But what about the rest of us? That’s where Self Loathe Club steps in—with self-love hacks that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Today, I tried Power Poses, a practice backed by science but with a twist: it’s less about feeling like Wonder Woman and more about finding two minutes to stand like you actually know what you’re doing. Spoiler: it wasn’t as cringey as I expected.
What Are Power Poses?
The idea is simple. You stand in a "powerful" stance—think superhero or CEO-who-just-closed-a-big-deal—for two minutes. According to research, this can:
- Boost Confidence: Expanding your body posture triggers a sense of authority.
- Lower Stress: Reduces cortisol levels (a stress hormone).
- Shift Your Mood: Helps you fake it until your brain catches on.
How to Do It (Without Feeling Weird):
- Find a quiet spot (your kitchen, bathroom, or even next to your bed).
- Strike a pose:
- Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place your hands on your hips or stretch them overhead like a victorious marathon runner.
- Look straight ahead with your chin slightly up.
- Hold it for two minutes. Yes, two whole minutes.
- If it feels ridiculous, lean into it. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s participation.
My Experience
Did I feel like a superhero? Not quite. But standing in my kitchen like I just won Employee of the Month did make me laugh, and I walked out the door feeling a little less overwhelmed.
Here’s the thing: Power poses aren’t magic, but they do something. They force you to stop slouching (hello, terrible posture) and remind you that even on your worst days, you’re capable of standing tall—literally. For two minutes, at least.
The Self Loathe Club Twist
Let’s call it “The Fake-It Pose for People Who Feel Like Losers.”
Because let’s be real: confidence doesn’t always come naturally. Sometimes you have to pretend, and that’s okay. What matters is showing up, even if it’s just to stand like an action figure for two minutes before heading to work.
Would I Do It Again?
Yes—but only when I’m feeling particularly stressed or defeated. It’s not a daily ritual for me, but it’s a quick, effective reset when I need it. Plus, it’s a low-effort way to convince yourself you’ve got this—even if “this” is just surviving Monday.
Try It Yourself
If you’re reading this, I challenge you to try a power pose today. Stand tall, breathe deeply, and claim those two minutes for yourself. Bonus points if you add your own Self Loathe Club twist, like sarcastically declaring, “I’m the CEO of barely holding it together.”
Every day, I’m testing a different self-love practice to see what works for people like us—flawed, frustrated, and just trying to make it through. Follow along, and let’s see what sticks. Self-love doesn’t have to be perfect to work.
Embrace Your Weird,
Nick
Founder of Self Loathe Club
