SANTO DOMINGO– The human body is living architecture. Every posture, movement, and habitnot only reveals our physical structure but also reflects our emotional and mental state. The way we position ourselves in space directly influences how we feel and how others perceive us.
Posture affects the production of hormones and neurotransmitters so much that keeping your torso upright can increase confidence and reduce stress, because it keeps your chest open and by pulling your shoulders back, you not only improve body alignment, but also send positive signals to the brain, promoting a sense of power and control.
This is according to Rocío Vilches, a Spanish psychologist and expert in body posture , who asserts that posture also affects " how we interpret the world and our experiences," while a hunched posture can " cause us to perceive situations negatively, whereas an upright posture facilitates a more positive interpretation and a sense of resilience."
Research in neuroscience and psychology has shown that body posture impacts the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. For example, maintaining an upright posture can increase testosterone levels, associated with confidence, and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress.
The SaludOnNet team, also Spanish, adds: “Adopting proper posture offers benefits that go beyond the physical: greater confidence, reduced anxiety, positive energy, and improved breathing.”
Physical and emotional well-being
It's not just about posture. There are a number of details that will help us maintain a healthy position and promote well-being, such as using ergonomic furniture. This is an essential investment that will help us adapt our work or study environment with chairs and desks that encourage a healthy posture to prevent muscle pain and improve overall well-being.
Connecting with nature and spending time outdoors in natural spaces can reduce stress and improve mood, while also incorporating mindful stretching and movement. Practices like yoga, tai chi, or Pilates help release accumulated tension and improve flexibility, contributing to emotional balance.
Practice deep breathing, as doing so consciously helps reduce anxiety and improve posture by relaxing tense muscles.
Xuan Lan, a Vietnamese yoga instructor, explains that: “Child’s pose relaxes the lower back; warrior pose strengthens and balances; tree pose improves concentration and balance; relaxation pose is ideal at the end of practice; and meditation with conscious breathing helps to disconnect from stress.”
Some tips
Keep your spine straight: open your chest and pull your shoulders back; this helps improve your presence and sense of control.
Stretch and move mindfully: yoga, tai chi, Pilates, or daily stretching releases tension and promotes flexibility.
Breathe deeply: conscious breathing relaxes muscles and reduces anxiety.
Take care of your space: ergonomic chairs and desks prevent pain and improve posture.
Connect with nature: spending time outdoors reduces stress and improves mood.
