Get a grip! Hold your tongue! Shrug it off! Exerting willpower seems like a mental task, but it turns out that our physical bodies are very much involved in keeping us in line and acting appropriately. According to a 2011 study called “From Firm Muscles to Firm Willpower: Understanding the Role of Embodied Cognition in Self-Regulation”, the action of clenching muscles helps us to deal with physical pain, withstand unpleasant experiences, and overcome temptation. This may make us better and healthier consumers, but it also means that we need to be mindful of the tension patterns we create with these subtle, repetitive clenching habits.
Clenching Muscles for Stronger Willpower
