There isn’t any single factor that leads to bad posture. Gravity and aging each play a role. So can illness and even genetics. But for the most part, our tendency to slouch and slump occurs as a result of muscle weakness or tension related to your body being in the same position day after day.
When your shoulders are constantly hunched forward—usually the case when you’re staring at a computer—the muscles in your upper back (specifically, the latissimus dorsi and lower trapezius) get tight, making them weaker. Spending too much time huddled over your devices also causes the pectoralis minor, which is responsible for engaging your shoulder blade and scapula, to shorten, which keeps your shoulders in that forward position.
That’s not all. Sitting on your keister all day doesn’t require anything from your legs or gluteal muscles, which causes them to weaken. Your glutes, along with your core muscles, are key stabilizers for good posture, so if they’re weakened, it’s more difficult to stand up straight. Sitting for long periods of time can also shorten your hip flexors and lead to hip issues when you do try to be more active.
Interesting facts
Did you know that there is a connection between posture and health, especially a mental health. Although sitting up straight seems like a small change in routine, it can have a big impact on physical and mental health.
There are studies that have proven that those who exercise and have a healthy spine tend to be happier.
One study examined how students recall and think about past experiences, both good and bad. The group was told to recall both negative and positive experiences twice – once while sitting upright and once while bending over. The results showed that 86 percent of students who were in a slouched position remembered negative emotions and experiences more easily. On the other hand, 87 percent of students remembered positive experiences much more easily when they were sitting upright, reports “Montarebehavioralhealth”.
Considering this, that idea can be applied to our everyday life. Being slouched can end up causing problems we may not be aware of. Additionally, crouching is considered a position of defeat and can eventually influence on thought processes, whereas sitting up straight can help bring positive feelings and memories to life instead of unmotivated and hopeless feelings.
How can yoga help?
A stealth benefit of many yoga poses is that they build strength in your core—including muscles in your low back and your side body as well as your abdominals—which in turn makes it easier for you to stand tall without even trying.
While there are definitely changes you can make to your daily routine—including taking regular breaks from sitting and setting up your desk chair for optimal body alignment – certain yoga poses can help stretch, strengthen, and balance your muscles so that you can hold your head high and stand tall for years to come.
Apart from sitting up straight, yoga can help our spine become stronger and more flexible. The more flexible our spine is, the younger we are. There are some postures in yoga that can help boost energy and confidence, and improve our posture:
1. Virabhadrasana
2. Bhujangasana
3. Adho Mukha Svanasana
4. Sethubandasana
5. Gomukhasana
6. Navasana
