Our posture and alignment carry an immense influence over our mental and physical health and wellbeing. Sadly, the importance of good posture is often overlooked in the pursuit of optimal health. By improving your posture, you enhance every dimension of your health. This improvement is attributed to a better functioning nervous system. A nervous system that is not burdened by stress originating from compromised alignment and poor posture. Therefore, every bodily system functions more effectively.
Here’s how poor posture impacts our health:
- Compromises the Function of the Immune System. Any condition that amplifies physical stress on the body and impairs the function of the spine (nervous system) can jeopardize the operation of the immune system. Consequently, this can potentially disrupt every other system in the body.
- Impedes the Function of the Nervous System. The nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, acts as the operating system for all bodily functions. It controls our metabolism, hormone levels, heart rate, immune system, circulation, and organ function. A compromised nervous system due to poor alignment and posture can detrimentally affect every bodily system.
- Contributes to Anxiety and Depression. A Harvard study highlights that maintaining an upright posture can significantly alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. The brain is continually responsive to the body’s position, emphasizing the inseparable connection between mind and body.
- Leads to Poor Breathing Patterns. Proper diaphragm activation is challenging while slouching. Correct breathing patterns require diaphragmatic movement, which stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This action helps transition the body from a chronic stress mode to a “rest & digest” state, which is nearly impossible while slouching as it induces shallow and upper chest breathing, signaling a “fight or flight” response.
- Lowers Self-Confidence. Studies shows that maintaining an upright posture significantly influences others’ perceptions and self-perceptions. Our body position sends a signal to the brain about our abilities. Studies also show that interviewees who maintained an upright posture felt more capable and qualified for their jobs, reinforcing the role body position plays in influencing our thoughts and feelings.
- Alters Hormonal Balance. Posture significantly affects hormone levels, particularly stress hormones. Research suggests that maintaining a “power pose” for 2 minutes can reduce cortisol levels by 25% and increase testosterone levels by 20%, underlining the role of body position in health outcomes.
- Increases Propensity to Think Negatively. The mind-body connection is bidirectional, meaning that a slumped body sends a potent message to the brain. Research indicates that individuals with good posture can recall positive traits more readily than those with poor posture, suggesting that a slumped posture can negatively impact cognition.
- Increases Risk for Injury. Poor posture can result in undesirable tissue adaptation and muscle imbalances, which can contribute to poor biomechanics and movement patterns, leading to premature joint wear. Conversely, good posture promotes better movement patterns.
- Contributes to Fatigue. Fatigue often results from restricted blood flow and consequently lower oxygen levels, which in turn reduces energy for necessary systems and repair. Up to 90% of the brain’s energy is directed towards maintaining the body’s relation to gravity, according to brain researchers and neurosurgeons. Postural distortions, such as forward head posture, can stress the brain, leaving less energy for cognition, metabolism, and healing.
The way we hold our bodies impacts every aspect of our health. Understanding the effects of poor posture allows us to make informed choices and undertake steps towards achieving optimal health through correct alignment and good posture.
- The average 85-year-old American will have spent up to 280,000 hours of their lifetime sitting. That’s the equivalent of 32.6 years!
- It is estimated that chronic pain costs Americans and average of $2,167 per year. (I)
- Slouching in your chair can decrease your productivity by up to 66% (Hignett, McAtamney, & Murray, 2000).
- Research shows that poor posture is associated with chronic pain, fatigue, injury, depression, poor vision, poor digestion, poor circulation, dysfunctional breathing, and even shortened life expectancy.
- Up to 80% of people will experience at least one episode of back pain during their lifetime.
- 85% to 92% of back injuries are a result of stressful postures in everyday life or workplace (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons)
- The demanding postural maintenance of standing may deplete limited attentional resources, leading to an impairment in cognitive performance (Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics).
- The use of a standing desk only burns an extra 8 calories per hour compared to sitting (Journal of Physical Activity and Health).
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Anthros is the only chair registered with the FDA as a “corrective medical device” that progressively improves posture over time, and it lives up to this promise. As you sit in it, the chair actively realigns your spine, calibrates your nervous system, and corrects your posture.
Gone are the days when I simply advised my clients to avoid sitting, which was never a realistic solution. Now, I recommend they choose a chair that not only averts compromising their posture but actively enhances it over time.
