Benefits of an Improved Posture

Have you found yourself slouching more frequently? Do you seem to appear slouched over at all times of the day? It might be time to take a more critical look at your posture. Apart from the cosmetic benefits of standing a bit taller, there are so many mental and physical health benefits that individuals can enjoy when they improve their posture that we will break down below.

 

A Healthier Skeletal System

 

Your skeletal system—namely, your spine, back, shoulders, legs, and neck—is impacted heavily by your posture. According to fellow healthcare experts, “Good posture allows critical components within the body such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments to effectively do their job. When skeletal bones are properly supported, they are less likely to experience degeneration over time.” Allow those bones to be shaped the way they were designed to be by straightening out that back. Your skeletal system will thank you.

 

Easier Breathing

It’s not too complicated to understand, yet most people rarely consider internal processes such as breathing when thinking of the benefits of an improved posture. However, when you look at your body while slouching, which part of it tends to be contorted the most? That’s right, the upper body where your lungs are housed! Breathing experts have stated, “Breathing 360 degrees into the belly and back using the diaphragm with good posture can help with reducing shortness of breath long term.” They continue to state that poor posture directly causes shortness of breath “by limiting your ability to access your diaphragm and belly breathe. Your brain can’t get the oxygen it requires and you experience a sensation of ‘air hunger’ so it will recruit your backup breathing muscles that need to work more frequently to get the required oxygen intake, which makes you breathe fast and shallow.” Breathe a little easier and fuller by sitting a bit more straight at your desk today. 

 

Fewer Headaches

 

As we just discussed, your body’s external processes have real ramifications on its internal ones. Headaches are no exception. The National Health Service noted, “Poor posture causes tension in your upper back, neck, and shoulders, which can lead to a headache. Typically, the pain throbs in the base of the skull and sometimes flashes into the face, especially the forehead.” Much like the point above, this is one of those instances where it’s something that makes sense when you give it a little bit of critical thought. Straighten out your back and enjoy the benefits of it all the way up to your head.

 

Increased Confidence and Energy

 

Speaking of your head, let’s get into some of the mental health benefits of improving your posture. Think about the people you have witnessed command a room with their presence. Are they typically slouched over or standing tall and straight? It might have never crossed your mind to even look at that, as it’s a subconscious criterion we tend to judge people on, but you’ll start seeing a pattern when you analyze it closer. The one and only American Express confirmed this by stating, “You can look confident with an assertive posture that makes you appear more balanced and grounded.” Clearly, the benefits of a good posture are applicable to both your physical and mental health.

 

Overall, it seems very clear that a better posture can help you enjoy a healthier and more high-quality life. We hope this advice will help you, but if you need an adjustment, we’d be happy to have you in our office.