The Bizarre Impact of Poor Posture
By Sara Butler
Posture is about more than just how straight you sit up – a lot more! There are actually some very strange ways in which posture can impact you, beyond just how it makes your neck, shoulders or back feel. Here are some rather strange ways your posture can impact you and what you can do to fix it.
Depression
There have been studies, the most recent out of San Francisco State University, that link depression or low energy with poor posture. The participants in the study who stood up straighter were happier with more energy, while the people with poor posture reported feelings of depression. But don’t worry, it was shown that depressed feelings can be straightened out by simply straightening out your posture!
How People See You
There may just be a link between your success in your career and your posture. When you walk into a meeting slumped over, people will read your body language and perceive you as being less vital to the task or problem at hand than they might otherwise.
Sitting at a desk all day doesn’t really help out your posture problem at work, but by working with a chiropractor and also strengthening the muscles in your back and in your abdomen, you can quit slouching, and that could lead to a boost in your confidence and your career.
Digestion
When you have poor posture it isn’t just bad for you back. When you’re folded over at the waist for long periods it can be terrible for your digestion, backing you up and slowing the digestive processes in your body down.
Don’t worry, working to strengthen your muscles in your core can help you to not only have fewer aches and pains in your back and shoulders but keep you regular as well.
Increased Risk of Disease and Death
A study out of England found a correlation between how much time a person spent sitting and poor health. People who sat for the longest amount of time each day had a higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. And that’s even true for people who get regular exercise.
Sitting has been dubbed the “new smoking” for a reason – it’s really bad for your overall health. If you sit a lot at work or at home, find ways to be on your feet more. Watch the TV while standing or get a standing desk in the workplace.
If you have concerns or questions about your posture and how you might be able to work to improve it you should talk to your chiropractor about it during your next visit!