It is well-understood that bad posture is bad for your back. Hunching forward as you walk makes your back and neck muscles work harder, and can add up to long-term problems. However, there are more reasons to keep your spine straight, one of which has to do with your mental health.
According to a study found in the Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, the act of slouching while walking was linked to depression. Participants who were told to hunch over reported feeling worse than the group who was asked to walk upright. They also were more likely to remember negative memories as they walked. This is conducive of depression, which further contributes to an unhealthy back. Keep your chin up as you walk, keep your outlook positive, and contact our Edmonds chiropractic clinic for all your chiropracty needs!