How Posture Affects Mood

Good Posture is Important

Posture, the way we hold and carry our bodies when we stand, sit and walk, is important. Developing good posture can improve the health of your spine and promote proper alignment of your vertebrae. Good posture, however, goes beyond the physical realm in terms of its effect on an individual. Research suggests that the way we carry ourselves can also have deep ties to our emotional well-being. Learning to sit and stand with good posture can boost your energy, give you confidence and improve your overall outlook on life.

Good Posture Can Make You Happier

At San Francisco State University, Dr. Erik Peper assessed how posture affects subjective energy level, as well as the ability to generate positive or negative thoughts. In one experiment, Dr. Peper divided his subjects into two groups and had one group swing their arms and skip down a hallway. He had the other group slouch as they walked down the hall. Most of the skipping group reported that they were happier, more energetic and generally in a more positive mood than the group who had slouched, who reported emotions of sadness, loneliness and isolation.

Good posture can also help a person feel more confident overall. According to cognitive scientists, simply standing straight and tall as though you have power and authority can help make you feel powerful in a negotiating or business situation. Amy Cuddy’s 2012 TED Talk deals with “power poses,” which are certain ways to stand to project an air of confidence and power, to others as well as yourself. This then instills you with actual conference, which causes you to achieve good posture naturally. The energy can feed off itself and become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The positive feelings and confidence we experience when we exhibit good posture is a result of feeling taller, and the attributes we associate with height. For example, we tend to view tall people as more authoritative, stronger, and more powerful. Simply standing up straight can help us feel as though we’ve gained a few inches in height, therefore making us feel like the most empowered versions of ourselves.

Spinal and Posture Screenings Longview, WA and Kelso, WA

Good posture is something that can be achieved by everyone, with a little practice and self-training, and sometimes the help of a chiropractic care specialist. For experienced treatment from caring professionals in the Longview, WA area, contact Family Chiropractic Care today at 360-636-2636 or schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you achieve your best self!