Let’s say you are in a meeting. You are listening while everyone is talking. Suddenly you find that your arms are folded tightly across your chest. You didn't intend to, and you aren't even mad. It just so happened.
Your boss might think you look bored or unfriendly. You try to unfold them, but in a few minutes you find yourself doing it again. It’s just better. People tend to think crossing your arms is “blocking” out others, but it holds a much deeper meaning.
If you are always crossing your arms in a meeting, psychology says...
You think you cross your arms because you are bored or defensive. But psychology says the number one reason is self-comfort. You are looking for deep concentration and a self-soothing comforting hug.
Why do you cross your arms in a meeting?
Meetings can be a little stressful. You have to pay attention, look professional, and process a lot of information. When your brain feels even a tiny bit of pressure, it looks for a way to feel safe.
Crossing your arms puts a small amount of steady pressure on your torso. This pressure feels similar to being held or embraced. It sends a signal to your nervous system to relax and slow down your heartbeat.
If you are crossing your arms in a meeting, it is not necessarily being closed-off or defensive. In overwhelming situations like a meeting, you tend to hug youself with your own arms.
Crossing your arms in a meeting also helps to focus...
Another reason you cross your arms in a meeting is to help you concentrate. When you arms are folded, your nervous is relaxed and your body stops fidgeting. This helps your brain stop worrying about what your hands are doing so it can focus entirely on what is being said.
Think crossing arms in a meeting as putting on a noise-cancellation headphones. By giving yourself a self-soothing hug, you are signalling your brain to relax and absorb information being presented in the meeting.
What does your way of crossing arms say about your personality?
If you cross your right arm over the left, you may be more left-brain dominant. You prefer logic, organised and methodical way of working. You may be good at analytical thinking.
If you cross your left arm over the right, you may be more right-brained dominant. You may be attuned to your emotions and creative.
