As the leading posture correction specialist in Austin, Texas, we've seen first-hand how posture and depression are connected. Here's what you need to know.
Bottom Line:
Posture can either help or hinder us.
Take it from Austin, Texas' leading posture correction specialist.
Every day, we discover more about new health conditions linked to extended sitting, ill-positioned devices, and even furniture that may have been repurposed to meet the frenetic demands imposed during the beginning of the pandemic.
It's evident that finding the ideal posture for working at our computers has never been more important.
And get this.
We're also learning more about how emotions, posture, and pain sensitivity are all influenced in some way by each other.
In fact, there may be a link between posture and depression.
Think about it.
Have you ever been able to predict someone's mood based on how they entered a room?
We've all done it!
It's an excellent illustration of how posture and attitude are linked.
You can tell whether someone is confident or joyful by looking at them for a few seconds.
For a variety of reasons, posture can influence mood and vice versa.
Let's take a closer look at depression and posture.
Why it Matters:
Depression and other health issues have been related to certain postures.
When it comes to the upper body, the muscles in the chest and back of the neck tend to tighten, while the muscles in the front of the neck and upper back tend to weaken.
This causes the rounded shoulders and forward head position that we associate with poor posture.
You put extra strain on your joints and force your supporting muscles to work harder when you slouch in your chair or stand with bad posture.
To help you better understand just how posture and depression can be linked, try this.
Try to take a deep breath while slouching your shoulders, tilting your head forward, looking down at your lap.
Note how you feel.
Now, reverse that posture, sit up tall, pull your shoulders back, and take another deep breath in.
Isn't there a big difference?
It's simple to see how a stooped, awkward posture can lead to aches and pains.
If you're experiencing daily aches and pains, having your posture evaluated by a posture correction professional in Austin, Texas can be a good place to start.
People who were depressed improved their mood after changing their posture to be more upright, according to researchers examining posture and depression.
That's right.
You can obtain a better mindset, a stronger core, and a healthier overall lifestyle by maintaining a proper posture.
The specific reason that posture, emotion, and pain sensitivity appear to be linked is unknown.
Some people believe it's as easy as feeling better emotionally when their bodies are in specific positions.
Another hypothesis is that the release of endorphins, or feel-good chemicals in the brain, is influenced by our body posture and position.
Whatever the reason, developing good posture practices can help you feel more confident, energetic, and happy when it comes to posture and depression.
To recap...
- Slumped posture has been linked with depressive symptoms
- An upright posture has been shown to improve your mood immediately
- Emotions and thoughts affect your posture and energy level. Look up and pull your shoulders back to reset your mind and body!
Next Steps:
When you're feeling down, think about what you've learned about posture and depression, and pay attention to your posture.
You'll most likely be slouched, with your head and neck curved forward and down.
Pulling your shoulder blades back and together, relaxing your shoulders down away from your ears, and looking up are some of the best improvements you can do at that time.
The more you work on it, the easier it will become.
To help you gain endurance, begin by holding your head and chest in this corrected position for one minute at a time.
You'd be surprised how much a few minutes a day can make a difference!
If your posture is causing you neck or back pain, the first step is to consult with a posture correction specialist in Austin, Texas who can assess your alignment and more.
Our doors are open and we're ready to assist you.
If you're experiencing depression, we recommend reaching out to a professional for help.
Science Source:
Upright Posture Improves Affect and Fatigue. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry. 2017
