Discover how posture defines your quality of life

Posted on March 6, 2024  •  4 minutes  • 683 words

Your posture determines your life quality

Posture is one of the aspects that influence our quality of living that we often don’t think about.

In this article, we will discuss the effects that posture has on our overall well-being, and what are the side effects of having a bad posture.

Correct posture

Having a correct posture can be defined as keeping the joints and bones aligned with each other, resulting in weight distributed evenly so that the lower anatomical structure supports the majority of the weight.

For example, the cervical spine supports the weight of the head, while the lumbar spine supports the weight of the cervical spine and the head, and so on until reaching the feet.

Correct posture checklist:

⦁ Keep your chin parallel to the floor.

⦁ Ensure shoulders are even by rolling them up, back, and down.

⦁ Maintain a neutral spine without overemphasizing the curve in your lower back.

⦁ Keep the chest lifted and open, avoiding slouching or rounding forward.

⦁ Keep arms at your sides with straight and even elbows.

⦁ Brace abdominal muscles.

⦁ Keep the pelvis in a neutral position, to maintain proper alignment of the spine and hips.

⦁ Keep hips and knees even and pointing forward.

⦁ Distribute body weight evenly on both feet.

Causes and consequences of poor posture

Now that we know what correct posture is, we’ll go through the most common causes of poor posture.

⦁ Use of mobile devices: Using smartphones and tablets excessively can cause rounded shoulders and forward head posture, which can cause neck pain, headaches, and improper spinal alignment.

⦁ Extended periods of sitting: This leads to muscular imbalances and weakening of the core muscles, resulting in persistent back and neck pain, decreased range of motion, and discomfort when doing daily tasks.

⦁ Bad sleeping habits: Posture problems during the day and morning stiffness can be brought on by sleeping using an unsupportive mattress or in an incorrect sleeping position that strains muscles and misaligns the spine.

⦁ Sedentary lifestyle: Not getting enough exercise weakens the muscles that support good posture, raising the possibility of postural issues that impair balance and coordination.

⦁ Weak core muscles: Insufficient core strength can result in instability, discomfort, and reduced functionality when standing, walking, and lifting due to bad posture and spinal misalignment.

⦁ Repetitive motions: Performing repetitive tasks without adequate rest or proper form can strain muscles and joints, contributing to postural problems and discomfort.

⦁ Excess weight: Places added stress on the spine and supporting muscles, leading to postural imbalances, increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, and difficulty performing daily tasks comfortably.

Posture and depression symptoms

Your posture not only affects the way you look but also the way you feel.

This study took 110 students and divided them into two groups.

The first group was asked to maintain a slouched position while walking or sitting.

The second group was asked to maintain an upright position while walking or sitting.

The results showed that the first group’s energy levels were lower, their confidence decreased and symptoms of depression started to arise.

Meanwhile, the second group reported that their energy levels increased, they were more focused on doing their daily activities, and felt happier and more confident overall.

Posture and stress

A study aimed to investigate the effects of upright seated posture versus slumped posture on emotional and cardiovascular responses to stress.

Seventy-four participants were randomly assigned to either an upright or slumped seated posture, with their backs strapped accordingly.

Participants completed a stress-inducing task while mood, self-esteem, perceived threat, and cardiovascular measures were assessed.

Upright participants reported higher self-esteem, increased arousal, better mood, and lower fear compared to those in a slumped posture.

Linguistic analysis revealed that slumped participants used more negative emotion words and fewer positive emotion words during the stress task.

Conclusion

We often underestimate how posture affects our daily lives.

We can begin to feel better and be able to perform more without experiencing discomfort by realigning it.

Maintaining proper posture promotes happiness, self-confidence, and general quality of life in addition to one’s physical health.