May 15, 2023
Fiona Austin - Anxiety and Relationship solutions
May 15, 2023
Most people think of posture as something that simply affects the way we look. But posture is much more than that. It can say a lot about our mood, and even our health.
For example, did you know that how you sit can actually somewhat increase or decrease your risk of depression? That's because the way we sit can have a major impact on our emotions and thoughts. Further, it's not just depression that can be affected. Posture can also play a role in our confidence and stress levels, and even our immune system function.
So if you're looking to improve your mood, your health, or your overall wellbeing, why not start paying attention to your posture?
When you think of posture, what comes to mind? For most people, posture is about keeping the spine straight and the body erect. It's about looking poised and in control. It can also be about protecting our physical health, guarding against neck pain and back pain. But our posture can tell us a lot more than that.
Studies have shown that our mood and emotions are physically stored in our body, and the way we stand, sit, or move can directly influence how we're feeling. Also you may have noticed that if you become overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions, your body is the first to respond.
For example, if you tend to slouch or hunch over when you're feeling down, you may be subconsciously trying to protect yourself from any further harm. On the other hand, if you stand tall and confident in a 'power pose' when facing a challenge, it can boost your confidence and put you in control of the situation.
Moods and emotions are powerful forces that can shape our lives in profound ways. If you catch yourself feeling overwhelmed or out of sorts, take a moment to check in with your body.
Now that we know how posture can affect your mood, let's think about what happens when we sit-for too long! We know that sitting is bad for our health, but did you know that it can also have a negative effect on our emotional wellbeing?
Studies have shown that too much sitting can increase stress levels and leave us feeling more anxious and depressed. That's because when we sit, our bodies become tense and the hormones responsible for keeping us calm are inhibited. Our breathing becomes more shallow which also has an overall effect on our biology.
As a result, we're in a state where it is easy to become overwhelmed by our thoughts and feelings. It's important to note that if you're feeling down or anxious while at your computer, try sitting up straight with your shoulders back and your chin lifted - even if it's just for a few minutes. You might just find yourself feeling more grounded in yourself, more confident in your abilities, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws at you - at the very least another video meeting!
If you've been sedentary for too long, get up and move! The power of movement can have a calming effect on your body-and potentially your mind as well. Our common sense wants us to get out into nature, take a walk in the park, or just stand up and stretch.
So the next time you're feeling down or anxious, try standing up straight and taking some deep breaths. Start to notice the story in your body because our thoughts and emotions live there too.
Fiona Austin - Anxiety and Relationship solutions