I just discovered the following article on the relationship between posture and self-esteem at Diagnose Me.com
"While poor self-esteem can contribute to poor posture, the idea that improving posture can improve self-esteem is surprising to some people. Citing his recent posture study of five women between the ages of 20 and 50, Aaron Parnell, a personal trainer, concludes that poor posture can lock negative emotions in the body. "Good posture emanates positive feelings in personal strength and self awareness, which leads to more self confidence."After the women went through a series of specific body restructuring treatments to improve their posture, all of them showed remarkable differences in their self-esteem. Most of the women were expecting the body treatments, which use certain stretching and breathing techniques, to release tension and straighten-out their bodies. None realized it would affect their self-esteem. 100% reported they were much more bold and willing to take risks at work. 80% said they had more energy and were jumping out of bed in the mornings. 60% said their bodies were looking and feeling more feminine. All of them volunteered that they were more self-accepting now that they were in touch with their bodies; they felt more comfortable with who they were.See a posture specialist, chiropractor, yoga teacher or deep tissue body worker to help undo years of poor posture habits. While it is becoming clear that posture and self-esteem directly influence each other, more study needs to be done on the connection between posture improvement and self-esteem enhancement."
Here is the link: http://www.diagnose-me.com/treat/T398161.html
While the cited "study" was limited to five people I have seen the same trend at Health and Harmony Chiropractic.
As posture improvements occur I have witnessed clients:
- ask for raises at work
- start and follow through with successful weightloss
- end relationships that were destructive
- take the initiative to ask people out they admired
- stop smoking
- start college courses towards new careers
- take their first real vacation
- re-establish relationships with family and friends
- begun reading personal development books
- join gym and yoga studios
- remodel their homes
- change their wardrobe and hairstyle
- laugh more often
- volunteer in the community
- try new activies (snowboarding, sky diving, Toastmasters, meditation)
- become more outgoing
- host and entertain at their home frequently
- look forward to class reunions and social events
For more information about Health and Harmony Chiropractic office please visit www.awakeningpotential.com or call 303 670 1001
