Research has shown that slumped posture affects our concentration, memory, circulation, can lead to aches and pains, and even how people judge us.
How can sitting up straight be so good for us?
The nervous system is made up of our brain, spinal cord and nerves and it relays signals through the entire body. It perceives what is going on around us, coordinates and controls our bodies and creates how we experience reality. A slumped posture is something that prevents easy communication of the nervous system as it contributes to adverse mechanical cord tension (Breig, 1978).
The spinal cord attaches to the vertebrae in the neck and the base of the spine, so any tension held in the nervous system can cause increased pull throughout it. Imagine an elastic band attached to the top of your neck and base of your spine. Sitting upright the elastic band is fairly loose, but slump forward and the band is tightened, creating pull and tension. This tension affects signals relayed between the brain, nerves, muscles and the rest of the body. Accumulation of this stress in the body can lead to discomfort, and when our physical body is in a state of stress, our mind will be also.
Ever looked back on a situation once you're in a more comfortable place and thought, "Why on earth did I do or say that?!" We work from a different part of the brain when we are suffering or holding stress. We're more likely to make rash decisions, focusing on the short term rather than long term and emotions or actions will be less rational or stable.
Emphasis on posture is commonplace throughout the ages in meditation, prayer and yoga, and it is the erect positioning of the spine which is believed to focus the body-mind-spirit connection. The grounded body is believed to link the earth to the heavens; the physical embodiment to the spiritual realm. It is suggested that the front part of the brain (prefrontal cortex) is accessed in this state. It is responsible for higher thought processes, analysing emotions, rational decision making and mood. So it seems sitting up straight can help us be smarter and more focused.
If good posture helps us function better, why can it feel uncomfortable?
Firstly, our spines aren't really designed to be sitting, as the natural S-shaped spinal curves are lost. It is estimated that 29% of the UK population sit down for 15 hours or more a day (BCA, 2009), so it's not surprising that our bodies tell us when our behaviour is not supportive.
Hanging out in a slumped posture increases the stretch of a muscle. After 20 minutes, it becomes underactive and no longer supports the spine as it needs to. Opposing muscle groups are put under stress and they become tight and over-contracted. This typically creates rounded, elevated shoulders, the head held forward and an increased curve in the mid-back. As we sink into our comfort zone we creep further away from good posture and lose our ability to return to it.
Is perfect posture possible?
I could drill you about "Shoulders back, chest out, lengthen the spine" but if we were to sit as stiff as a board then we'd end up being one! There are simply two things to remember:
1. Pay attention! The more we are aware of our posture, the more we can affect it.
2. The body is dynamic. It's always moving and changing, your blood flows, your heart beats, you breathe in and out, you are never still... so neither should your posture be. Therefore, keep moving, stretch at least every 15 mins or you really will be closer to death!
Posture affects us physically and mentally, so can it alter our emotions?
Have you noticed your posture when you feel upset or in pain? How is that different from when you feel confident or powerful? 1 in 5 people think poor posture demonstrates a lack in confidence (BCA, 2009). So when feeling down... chin up!
A change in your structure can alter your mood and mindset. Posture is changeable. Things we do on a daily basis affect our spinal structure. Our thoughts and behaviour support our posture, so be aware of your actions, pay attention and create change.
Become smarter, more attractive, more focused and confident - just by sitting up straight!
References
1. Breig, A (1978) Adverse mechanical tension in the central nervous system: an analysis of cause and effect. Almqvuist & Wiksell International, Stockholm, Sweden.
2. British Chiropractic Association (2009) Slouch and the City. Chiropractic Awareness Week Press Release.
Written by Michelle Chrapkowska
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