Your body posture tells many things about yourself. Sitting or standing up straight does not just make you look taller, but it also affects how you think.
Studies show that sitting up straight is beneficial for both your health and confidence. When you sit up straight, you believe more in yourself and your capacity to do the job before you. People who tend to slump will have lower confidence in themselves and what they are doing. Sitting up straight does not only make you look good and composed, but it also affects how you see and think about yourself.
In a study, 71 students were given instructions on how they would sit. Some were told to sit up straight, while others were instructed to sit slouched forward or look down on their knees. The students were then given a survey wherein they would rate themselves as future professionals.
The results were an eye-opener on the extent of how proper posture affects everyone. Those who were sitting up straight gave positive answers, and they were more confident in what they could do compared to those who were slouching. They were more sure and confident of the thoughts that they generated while in an upright position.
Your Posture Also Affects Your Productivity
Your posture also affects your efficiency and productivity, as well as your energy levels. The wrong posture can lead to back pains and other health problems, which can significantly affect how you work.
How you sit is important, especially if you are working in front of a computer. Slouching for long periods of time can have adverse health effects, aside from not helping how you look. It can result in back and neck pains, which can affect your efficiency and productivity.
Slouching for a long time can also result in poor blood circulation, poor digestion, and shortness of breath. It can lead to poor cognitive function since your brain will not be receiving the sufficient oxygen it needs to perform its best. Studies show that an upright position is linked with various cognitive processes. Older adults with a straight and upright posture have better and improved memory compared with adults with a stooped posture.
Sit up straight when you are tackling difficult tasks. Slouching can result in poor brain function, making you feel more tired and sluggish in the process.
Work to Improve Your Posture
If you are guilty of slouching and stooping all the time, don’t worry. There are steps that you can take to work on your posture. If you are suffering from constant neck and back pain, you can seek professional neck and back pain treatment services. If you were involved in a car accident in the past, you would need to seek treatment if you continue to experience neck and back pains.
You can also do exercises that will strengthen your core muscles, including your abdominal and lower back muscles. You can do the child’s pose, downward-facing dog, forward fold, high plank, side plank, and glute squeezes, among many other stretches and exercises.
It will also be helpful if you practice sitting and standing straight all the time. You should always sit up straight, with shoulders relaxed, head raised, and ears aligned with your shoulders. When you are standing, always stand tall. Your shoulders must be pulled back yet relaxed at the same time. Hold your head up and avoid stooping forward.
Always be mindful of your posture so that you avoid slouching. Regular exercises can also help maintain the strength and flexibility of your back. Avoid sitting straight for long periods. Take quick breaks in the middle, move around, and do some light stretches to avoid neck and back pains.
Doing a posture check now and then throughout the day will help ensure that your posture is correct. Stand against a wall and make sure that you have at least 2 inches of space between the wall and your back.
Make Necessary Changes
Other factors also affect your posture and the overall health of your back. Your sleeping position, for instance, affects your neck and back. Your sleeping position must follow the natural curve in your back. A lumbar roll beneath your lower back or a pillow under your knees can help you achieve this. If your mattress is saggy, it may be time to replace it for a more comfortable and restful sleep.
If you are usually behind the driver’s wheel for long periods of time, lumbar support can help make long drives more comfortable for you. Keep your seat comfortably close to the steering wheel so that your feet can easily step on the pedals.
Maintaining the correct posture can be hard, especially if you were used to slouching. Standing and sitting straight will not only be good for your back. It will also make you more confident and in control of yourself and the situation.
