From hunching over our computers to gazing downward at our smartphones to toting heavy objects, our posture can suffer and wreak havoc on our spines and mental health.
Did you know that there’s a connection between your spinal health and mental well-being?
“Studies have shown that sitting up straight can boost your mood, energy, and confidence,” said Dr. Scott
. On the other hand, slouching can make you feel negative, anxious and depressed.
The Spine Is the Motor Driving Our Brain
“We live our life through our brain; however, the spine is the motor that drives our brain,” said Dr. Scott.
Poor posture can lead to negative mental health outcomes. When postural distortion patterns occur, it changes the stress in the spinal cord, increasing negative inputs to the brain. This stress buildup can result in feelings of confinement, withdrawal, and isolation.
Improving Mental Health Through Posture
Research from Harvard University has shown that sitting up straight in a “power pose” for just two minutes can alleviate some symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. This is due to posture’s influence on hormone levels:
- Cortisol (stress hormone) decreases by 25%
- Testosterone (confidence hormone) increases by 20%
These hormonal changes contribute to feelings of calmness, confidence, and improved emotional regulation.
The Flexion-Extension Response
According to Dr. Scott, there’s a simple way to understand how our spine reacts to stress: “Flexion is protection, extension is expression.” When stressed, we tend to curl inward protectively. Conversely, when relaxed, we extend outward, confidently opening ourselves to the world.
Look Good and Feel Great
Being mindful of how you sit and stand can improve your mood, overall mental health and appearance!
If your posture could use some perfecting, we invite you to book an appointment at Radiant Life Chiropractic. Dr. Scott performs a thorough examination to assess for postural distortions and corrects those postural abnormalities. Schedule today!