POSTURE: PART 1
STAND UP STRAIGHT!
Why?!
Well, not only because it makes one look and feel more dynamic, but in fact studies show it gives one more self-confidence*, just like the act of smiling makes one automatically feel happier (at least for the moment ☺).
But aside from those two reasons, there are some very important physical HEALTH reasons to maintain good posture.
When we think of posture we think primarily of correct spinal alignment — 24 vertebrae, sacrum and pelvis, stacked one on top of the other, with all the proper curves — to create the greatest stability and flexibility for support, ease, and grace of movement.
And because our brain communicates with the rest of our body through our spine, proper alignment is extremely important.
The spinal cord stems from the brain, and is supported and surrounded by our vertebrae. There are openings between the vertebrae, called the intervertebral foramen, which allow the nerves to pass from the cord through the spine and innervate our muscles, organs, and glands.
When we have correct alignment, the nerve energy flows freely without stress, irritation or interference. With improper alignment, on the other hand, we get irritated nerves that can over-fire. This results in tight or hypertonic muscles or, over time, weakness. It can also contribute to suboptimal organ and glandular function, affecting the intestines, stomach, pancreas, lungs, heart, ovaries, testes, etc.
For example, with the very common postural distortion of shoulders slumped forward, head forward, concave chest, kyphotic (excessively curved) middle back, the pectoral (chest) muscles are forced to be in a state of perpetual contraction, contributing to weakness of the upper back muscles, and compression of the lungs and diaphragm as well.
If your lungs are constricted, you will not be able to take deep breaths. And, as we all know, breath is life. We need to breathe to oxygenate all our cells; so shorter shallower breaths mean less oxygen is being delivered to our cells. When our cells fail to receive enough oxygen they lose optimal function.
In addition, when the shoulders are forward and the chest becomes concave, this puts pressure on the stomach and can adversely affect one's digestion. This frequently manifests in an illness diagnosed as hiatal hernia. I’ll write more about this particular problem in another blog ☺.
Another ill effect of poor posture is PAIN.
The human head weighs about 10 lbs. on average, so if the head is positioned forward it puts considerable stress on one’s neck and shoulders. Try putting a 10 lb. weight on your neck and shoulders and see how that feels! Over time you will definitely develop pain as your muscles contract while trying to hold the weight. This is what is going on, perhaps unbeknownst to you, when you allow your head to hang forward without providing proper spinal support.
Of course, this is a very brief overview of how posture can affect one's overall wellbeing, but I hope I've managed to convince you that there are many reasons to remember to "Stand up straight!”
* Body Posture Affects Confidence In Your Own Thoughts, Study Finds
* Math + good posture = better scores
Coming soon - Part II: What good posture is, and how to develop and maintain!