WHEN I FIRST SAW CAPTAIN MARVEL AT THE MOVIES, I STEPPED OUT OF THE CINEMA ENERGIZED AND BUZZING WITH HAPPINESS.

I held the door open for someone, had a spring in my step, and spent the rest of the day feeling invincible.

Stories about superheroes have uplifted us feeble humans for millennia, but it’s not just because they’re entertaining. Research suggests we’re hardwired to seek out tales of heroic adventures in order to fulfill many of our basic needs. These movies impart wisdom, inspire us to take action, and promote personal growth by teaching us about love, suffering, and sacrifice.

Furthermore, research that focuses on today’s most popular superheroes suggests simply thinking about these characters can influence how we feel and how we treat other people. But can we tap into this superhero-induced superpower whenever we like?

It’s possible. Studies support that conclusion — as does personal experience. Lucy Saxon, an author and cosplayer from the United Kingdom, tells Inverse that when she styles herself as Captain America, “I feel like I’m a different person.”

“Even after I change out of cosplay I’ll find myself keeping the power stance for the rest of the day,” Saxon says.