Why You Should Stand Up Straight: The Benefits Of Good Posture

Standing up straight makes you feel better, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally. Go ahead, try standing up straight right now, and it’s guaranteed to boost your mood and make you feel more confident.

Research has shown that good posture is linked to increased confidence, better memory, more energy, as well as a myriad of physical benefits. One recent study found that babies’ learning ability was affected by their posture, and that having a straight spine could make it easier for them to learn new things. Another 2014 study found that better posture was associated with more energy and a better sex life, as slouching can put pressure on your spine, organs, and muscles, and drain all your energy.
In this new TED video, we learn how slouching can be taxing on our bodies. It makes our muscles work harder to keep us upright, forcing them into tight, inflexible positions. That stiff neck and back pain you feel after a long day in front of the computer? It’s likely due to your unmoving sitting position paired with bad posture. Slouching also increases wear and tear on your ligaments, puts pressure on your lungs, and makes it harder to breathe deeply, It also contributes to tension headaches.

This is perhaps why it’s so important to maintain a work out regimen and move around during your daily routines. It’s easy to forget about posture, as we tend to focus on our phones, but it can have a big impact on how we feel — not to mention the health risks of sitting all day, which include an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and cognitive impairment.

Simply being conscious of your posture — and moving around frequently, especially when you’re spending long hours in front of a computer or device — can make a big difference. Yoga and exercise can also assist in improving your posture. Check out these several yoga poses that flex and strengthen your back muscles.

So try it out. Get up, stand up straight, stretch your arms out to your sides, and breathe in deeply. It will feel amazing.