Body Functions Affected By Posture

Posture affects more than just looks. Good posture is sexy, makes you look and feel your best. Lack of good posture can do the following to your body:

1. Deepens depression

Our body language reflects this connection between proper posture and emotional affect—someone weak is called spineless and someone proud has backbone.

2. Backs you up

When you sit in a crunched position, your viscera (intestines) are folded up. That can slow everything down.

3. Makes you look heavier

Does this chair make me look fat?  We’ve become a nation of professional sitters.  When you are slouched over, your internal organs have nowhere to go but down and out—you immediately look fatter.

4. Stresses you out

A recent study from Harvard showed that when people who adopted powerful postures had a 20% increase in testosterone levels and a 25% decrease in cortisol levels—but people who slouched had a 10% decrease in testosterone and a 15% increase in cortisol. Shallow chest breathing strains the lungs, which must move faster to ensure adequate oxygen flow, and taxes the heart, which is forced to speed up to provide enough blood for oxygen transport. The result is a vicious cycle, where stress prompts shallow breathing, which in turn creates more stress.

Easy Ways to Improve Your Posture

One of the most common questions I get is, “How can I improve my posture?” Improve your posture in less than two minutes a day! Watch the video below to see an easy exercise that can make all the difference in the way you hold yourself.

 

If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Burdorf, call his office at 480-951-5006, or schedule appointment here.