A new research has found that people who walk with a slouched body posture are more likely to feel depressed.
A study from San Francisco State University found that a slouched or despondent body posture can lead to decreased energy and feelings of depression.
But researchers found that mood and energy levels can be increased simply by changing the body posture to an upright position.
Professor of Health Education Erik Peper, writing in the journal Biofeedback, said: “When you choose to put your body in a different mode, it’s harder to drop into depression.”
Previous research has found that exercise and movement can increase energy and happiness. But Erik Peper said these feelings can also be achieved by people sitting in more upright body positions.
He said if people start introducing more body movements into their daily life, it can boost energy levels and improve quality of life.
“It’s very similar to the principle of <<fake it till you make it>> – you can convince your body to have more energy.”
A total of 110 students were asked to walk down a hallway in a slouched position and then skip down the hallway.
Following the exercise, the students were asked to rate their energy levels.
The entire group found that walking in a slouched position decreased energy levels but skipping increased energy.
Students also answered questionnaires to rate how depressed they felt.
Those who felt more depressed reported lower energy levels after slouched walking than those who did not feel depressed.
Slouching has also been linked to causing career problems. Those who walk slouched are perceived as being not vital, reports NBC News.
It is also linked to an increased risk of death and disease, making people look heavier, cutting off circulation and stressing people out.
