Perfect Posture may be a myth but does it impact your mental health?

Research has consistently shown that posture can significantly impact our mood and mental well-being. For example, a study by Peper and Lin in 2012 found that when participants sat with slouched posture, they reported more feelings of depression and anxiety than when they sat with an upright posture. This is because poor posture can send signals to the brain that affect our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Another study by Nair and colleagues in 2015 found that adopting a more upright and open posture improved self-esteem and decreased negative mood in participants.

Furthermore, the connection between posture and mood is not only psychological but also physiological. For instance, a study by Carney and Cuddy in 2010 showed that standing in a "power pose" (such as hands on hips, chest out, and head up) for just two minutes increased testosterone levels and decreased cortisol (a stress hormone) levels in the body. This demonstrates that posture can affect the hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate mood.

To improve posture and prevent negative mood, it is recommended to pay attention to alignment, take breaks, exercise regularly, and seek professional help if necessary. A study by Shariat et al. in 2019 found that a combination of exercise and postural correction significantly improved mood and quality of life in participants with chronic low back pain.

While there is no perfect posture, research has shown that maintaining good alignment can have a positive impact on mood and mental well-being. By making a conscious effort to maintain good posture, we can improve our physical, emotional, and mental health.

Carney, D. R., & Cuddy, A. J. (2010). Power posing brief nonverbal displays affect neuroendocrine levels and risk tolerance. Psychological Science, 21(10), 1363-1368. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797610383437 Nair, S., Sagar, M., Sollers, J. 3rd, Consedine, N. S., Broadbent, E., & Rottenberg, J. (2015). Do slumped and upright postures affect stress responses? A randomized trial. Health Psychology, 34(6), 632-641. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000146 Peper, E., & Lin, I.-M. (2012). Increase or decrease depression: How body postures influence your energy level. Biofeedback, 40(3), 125-130. https://doi.org/10.5298/1081-5937-40.3.01 Shariat, A., Cleland, J. A., Danaee, M., Kargarfard, M., & Sangelaji, B. (2019). Effects of corrective exercise and postural reeducation on chronic low back pain and depression in elderly females. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 32(3), 431-438. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-171062