Crossed Arms are Self Soothing, Not Blocking

It has been widely accepted that crossing your arms indicates a strong sensation of blocking or distancing. You're defending those crucial organs with your arms. This "fact" is widely available online. Now, if you normally cross your arms, think about what you're feeling at that moment. Are you in danger? Are you really in a defensive mode? Are you making an effort to defend your heart against assaults? Most likely not.

According to Janine Driver of the Body Language Institute, the popular idea is apparently untrue. Crossing your arms can actually be assisting your thinking, particularly at work. Navarro concurs that it is more self-soothing and less defensive. And hey, sometimes you might just need something to do with your arms because they are tired.