Why Is Posture So Important?

We have all been told by someone, usually a parent, to keep good posture. “Don’t slouch.” “Shoulders back.” “Keep your back straight.” Posture is the first thing we notice about people. If you were interviewing employees, who are you more likely to hire? Someone slouching down in their chair or someone sitting upright, chin high and shoulders back? It tells us a lot about them without them having to say a word. 

How posture helps our bodies function better:

Posture also gives us insight into a person's health and how they are feeling. Posture has a direct effect on the function of our body. Right now if you sit in a slumped position, shoulders rolled forward and slouched, try and take a deep breath. Now, sit or stand up tall, shoulders rolled back and down and once again take a deep breath. Which was easier? When we have good posture it mechanically allows us to function better but also it has a direct effect on our nervous system. More specifically, it affects how our bodies can handle and adapt to stress. 

How good posture helps to fight stress:

Posture has a direct correlation to our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. This is more commonly referred to as our “Fight or flight response”. Poor posture = stress and good posture = stress relief. Stress has many negative health effects on our body if it is excessive or prolonged. Good posture allows our body the freedom to move and handle stress. Good posture is more than just a first impression, our spinal posture is a window into each person's health and wellbeing. Posture should be passive and habitual. Creating good postural daily habits can have a profound effect on health. Take a few moments each day and practice good posture.

Be healthy and well,

-Dr. Redman