What Poor Posture Does to Your Body
You know that poor posture isn’t good for you, but did you know that it’s been linked to a variety of health conditions. Here are some very good reasons for you to start standing tall.
- It can actually make depression worse. A recent study performed by San Francisco State University found that students who walked down a hall while slouching had a lower level of energy and reported increased feelings of depression than students who skipped. Standing up straight may actually help you to feel better.
- It affects peoples’ opinions of you. Close your eyes and try to picture a CEO or bank president. Imagine the President of the United States walking toward a podium to greet the press. Notice how your mental image is of them sitting up straight and walking tall. That’s because people in power rarely slouch. Poor posture can actually sabotage your career.
- It can lead to irregularity. Sitting in a slumped over position means that your intestines are squeezed together, which can slow up your plumbing. Instead, focus on strengthening your core via weight training or yoga to keep things moving as they should be. A stronger core frequently results in better posture.
- It can make you look fatter. When I was a teenager I learned that the key to instantly looking five pounds thinner is to stand up straight while holding the tummy in. If your scales are at the right spot, but you still look a little too chubby, practice standing up straight in front of a mirror. You might be surprised at how much thinner you look.
- It stresses you out. A recent study out of Harvard found that subjects who displayed open shoulders and straight spines had a 20 percent increase in testosterone levels and a 25 percent decrease in cortisol. Slouchers, however, had a 10 percent decrease in testosterone and a 15 percent increase in cortisol, perhaps because of shallow chest breathing.
- It can actually kill you. An Australian study found that every hour of television you watch after the age of 25 reduces your life expectancy by more than 20 minutes. This is because slouching on the couch is bad for the entire body. Instead of watching TV, play some music and get your body moving.
Bad posture is frequently the result of a misalignment in the spine that your chiropractor can adjust. If you find it uncomfortable to stand up straight or need some tips on posture, contact your chiropractic team. They’ll be able to provide your spine with the tender loving care that it requires in order to keep you strong and healthy. Visit your chiropractor today and you’ll be well on your way toward a healthy and more active body.
Always consult your chiropractor or primary care physician for all your health related advice.
