Improving posture
for better movement, reducing pain, and avoiding injuries are all well
addressed, but what about improving posture to improve mood? Depression
statistics continue to climb affecting adults and children. To a great extent
depression treatment has centered on medication or behavioral therapy without
much focus given to movement, or more specifically to posture, but that is
beginning to change.
One study evaluated
energy levels, a proposed indicator of depression, on body posture. University
students were asked to rate their general depression and subjective energy
levels, and were then randomly divided into two groups. One group was required
to walk in a slouched position, the other to skip with a swinging cross-arm
action. After their initial activity, they each ranked their subjective energy
level, then switched activities, and once again ranked their energy level. Not
surprising, skipping significantly increased their energy level and the
slouched walking decreased energy levels . Imagine yourself skipping, swinging
your arms, head up – did your energy level change just thinking about skipping?
These students reported that skipping not only made them feel more energetic,
but happier, more positive, and even evoked happy childhood memories, whereas
the slouched walking made them feel sad, lonely, isolated, sleepy, or even
“zombie-like”.
Positive thoughts
and feelings are easier to create in an upright position. Even evaluating the
mood of a stick figure can be impacted by its posture. A straight, upright
figure is judged as having the most positive mood while a figure displaying a
bent over position with forward head and shoulders is rated as having the most
negative emotions. With our overall decrease in physical activity and increased
amount of time spent sitting hunched over our computers or personal devices,
this “depressed” posture is where we spend so much of our time.
So “keep your chin
up”, it is not only a sign of good posture, it might just improve your mood.
#goodmood#goodposture#exercise#health#wellness#fitness#automaticbody#depression
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