Author: Erika Engelbrecht-Aldworth
Publication Date: 18 March 2025
Have you noticed how a smile can shift a conversation? Non-verbal cues, like body language and facial expressions, speak volumes. Let us explore how mastering these silent signals preserves your well-being.
Well-being relies on feeling connected and understood, and non-verbal communication plays a huge role (Reese & Myers, 2012). Positive gestures, such as nodding or maintaining eye contact, reinforce trust and reduce tension (Froehlich, 2024). Research shows that reading and using non-verbal cues effectively creates harmonious interactions, boosting emotional health (Zadok-Gurman et al., 2021).
Studies from 2020 to 2023 confirm this. Sandilos et al. (2023) found that individuals who use positive body language report higher life satisfaction. In professional settings, Reith-Hall and Montgomery (2023) noted that non-verbal skills reduce conflicts, enhancing job satisfaction. Personally, these cues help you understand others’ needs, fostering empathy and connection (Braun et al., 2020).
Practise non-verbal communication: smile during a chat, keep an open posture, or mirror someone’s gestures to show engagement. These actions, as Froehlich (2024) found, create a supportive atmosphere that protects well-being. By aligning your body language with your words, you build stronger relationships and reduce stress.
What is one non-verbal cue you can try this week? Share in the comments. Next, we will share a compass for sustaining well-being through communication. Try nodding during a conversation today and notice the response.
References
Braun, S. S., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Roeser, R. W. (2020). Effects of teachers’ emotion regulation, burnout, and life satisfaction on student well-being. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 69, 101151.
Froehlich, J. (2024). Effective communication. In Occupational therapy essentials for clinical competence (pp. 99–132). Routledge.
Reese, R. F., & Myers, J. E. (2012). Ecowellness: The missing factor in holistic wellness models. Journal of Counseling & Development, 90(4), 400–406.
Reith-Hall, M., & Montgomery, D. (2023). Strategies for improving teacher-student communication. Teaching and Teacher Education, 121, 103760.
Sandilos, L. E., McIntyre, T., & McCormick, M. (2023). The impact of teacher-student communication on student outcomes and teacher well-being. School Psychology Quarterly, 38(2), 112–126.
Zadok-Gurman, T., Faerman, A., & Lavi, T. (2021). Teacher well-being and communication: A systematic review. Journal of Teacher Education, 72(4), 407–423.