How posture improves concentration on studies

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Posture adaptation gives various information of the mental health. Sluggish or lethargic posture means you are exhausted and can lead to development of stress. Active or upright posture is statement of happiness and fantastic mental health.

Right from kids to elderly, whether they are workers or athletes everyone should adapt health and active posture. One of the major cause of back and neck pain is bad posture. Surprisingly, it has been noted that posture also improves level of concentration in kids who are studying or preparing for exams.

So how does posture helps; a study Dutch behavioral scientist states 3 main things that happens with posture;
For example, when we sit up straight, we are more likely to remember positive memories or think of something positive in general, according to this experiment.

Another insight was that if we exercise during breaks, we can significantly increase our energy levels. A slow, slumped walk on the other hand, can do the exact opposite and drain us of our energy.

The study also found that those who were most affected by depression before the study found their energy drained more than others.It also helps in regulating hormones in the human body, a study done by researchers in Columbia and Harvard University showed how posture helps in regulating hormones in the body, they took human saliva for testing and measured Cortisol (C ) and Testosterone (T) levels . It was found that effective posture helps in increasing level of testosterone and decreases the cortisol level. Testosterone helps in developing resistance to disease and helps improving leadership abilities.

Dr Nilesh Makwana, Director and consulting physiotherapist, Muscle N Mind Physiotherapy Centre gives you a lowdown on best posture and posture to avoid.

What is the best posture for the students?
Sitting Posture: Sitting upright with table in front, not bending forward or leaning forwards. The table should be as near as possible. Pillow to be kept behind the back and elbow should be supported. This avoids strain on neck and back and reduced load on the spine.

Desk for reading: Desk is very important for the reading, the desk should be at a proper height. The best height is from floor to elbow level. This allows best rest for the arms. However, the book holder should be kept elevated. There are tables which come with adjustable block specially made for reading. These tables are good, if you don't have table which is described, you may use wooden block or pillow to elevate book.

Angle for reading: The image illustration is given for the better angle. This allows minimal stress on eyes and neck while continuous reading. This gives best possible vision for the reading.

Which postures to avoid?
The best posture which students like is sleeping and reading; sleeping induces sleep and reduces brain's capacity to learn. Another posture is walking and reading, remembers walking is exercise and increases heart rate which tends to put brain in exercise mode, and student gets tired faster. Getting tired is physical as well as mental in this situation and therefore this should be avoided as well. Other posture which should be avoided are Slouched and lethargic.