The Mind and Body Connection; How Posture Affects Your Mood

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We all have heard the phrase, Mind, Body, and Soul, but very few people understand how they all work together. Most people believe the phrase "I can achieve anything I put my mind to". In some cases this is true, however, when it comes to physical well-being and posture, the body plays a huge role in how we feel. The body sends messages known as "somatic markers" through neurotransmitters in your brain letting you know that you are not well. Your body lets you know when you are anxious when you become restless, your hands begin to tremble, your heart races, and breathing increases. The body and mind both share mutual responsibilities. Therefore, it is important to heal both areas as a whole. This can be done working on your posture or with a posture trainer.

Benefits of Good Posture

Good posture keeps our bones and joints aligned correctly to prevent any strain and discomfort on the muscles. Being aware of how we are holding and balancing our weight is very essential to both one's physical and mental well-being. The way we stand, sit, and walk plays a very significant role in our overall well-being. This especially improves when it comes to our mood and happiness. Just as how our behavior, mood, and actions affect how others see us, our body language also sends messages.

For example, a person who is depressed tends to spend more time in bed or sitting slumped over with their heads down without even uttering a word. According to Elizabeth Broadbent Ph.D., "Studies suggest that compared to sitting in a slumped position, sitting upright can make you feel more proud after a success, increase your persistence at an unsolvable task, and make you feel more confident in your thoughts” .

Head Weight

The way we position our heads plays a significant role in how we sit and walk. The normal weight of our head is approximately 12 pounds, however, every inch our head tilts forward, we increase the pressure on our spine. According to the Physical Therapy department at Training Partners. Inc," At a 15-degree angle, this weight is about 27 pounds, at 30 degrees it’s 40 pounds, at 45 degrees it’s 49 pounds, and at 60 degrees it’s 60 pounds". Trying to hold this much weight sitting not only puts pressure on your spine but also your neck and shoulders. Over time, if not addressed, the body will develop bone degeneration. As the disk in the spine becomes inflamed, this causes pain dysfunction.

Affects our Whole Bodies

Poor posture affects our spinal nerve system in areas that also affect our mood. It can cause migraines, headaches, memory loss, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, vertigo, dizziness, allergies, and reflux disorders. Poor posture also affects our neck muscles, diaphragm, thyroids, arms, legs, elbows, wrists, across our shoulders, and other areas and organs of the body. Pain associated with poor posture can provoke an emotional response, causing anxiety, irritability, stress, depression, and agitation. A Posture trainer can greatly assist with these symptoms. Poor posture can also lead to conditions such as arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders.

\According to The American Chiropractic Association, "To maintain proper posture, you need to have adequate muscle flexibility and strength, normal joint motion in the spine and other body regions. As well, you need efficient postural muscles that are balanced on both sides of the spine. In addition, you must recognize your postural habits at home and in the workplace and work to correct them, if necessary". A good posture trainer can help you develop good posture habits. They can help build your muscles in ways to help you sit and stand upright. They also help improve sleep, reduce tension in the neck, shoulders, and back. This all promotes a better mood.
