Will Good Posture Improve Your Mood
By Sara Butler
You may have to add another item to your list of reasons to practice good posture because it might just improve your mood!
All those years your grandma nagged you about your slouch, she was really onto something. Several studies have recently come out that show when you sit with your head up and your shoulders back, you may be contributing to more than just a reduced chance of back pain – you might be improving your mood, too!
What is Happening?
Research out of San Francisco State University has shown that people who walk with a downcast and slumped posture tend to experience feelings of depression or diminished energy more than those who tend to walk tall, looking straight ahead. But don’t lose hope, because this same research has shown that these downtrodden feelings can be reversed by exercise and adjusting your posture. Basically, practicing better posture is a way to boost your energy and your mood simply and naturally!
Simple Steps to Be at Your Best
So, what steps can you take to improve your mood through your posture? Well, it’s not that difficult! You just need to take these tips to heart to improve how you feel and look.
- Take stock – Look at the ways you’re sitting, standing, and walking. Take the time to identify your tendencies to slump over when you’re not feeling confident. Be comfortable in your surroundings and stand tall!
- Chin up – When you’re standing, walking, or sitting, you should hold your chin up as if you’re looking 10 yards ahead of you. Be kinder to your neck and back by not looking down for long periods.
- Walk the walk – When you’re walking, do it with purpose. Get your arms into it, set a brisk pace, try to get that blood pumping and your mood will thank you.
- Hug it out – Hug yourself or others for a mood-boosting surge of oxytocin to make you feel calm. You'll feel loved too, and who doesn’t love to feel loved?
- Fake it until you make it – This one might seem kind of crazy, but if you don’t feel confident or cheerful, pretend you do. Your mood will eventually catch up with you and you won’t have to fake it anymore.
If you need more guidance to improve your mood through your posture, then you need to discuss it with your chiropractor the next time you’re at The Joint!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
