Slouching

Whether sitting or standing, slouching actually has negative effects on your overall health. “If you are leaning over, our heads are very heavy compared to rest of body—it puts a lot of leverage on the neck,” Dr. Fowler says, which can lead to tension headaches. Leaning over is also really bad for your back. “This can increase the risk of a disc rupturing or herniating, resulting in pain and pinched nerves,” he says. Not sitting up straight can also cause some unexpected problems. “Poor posture while seated can cause abdominal discomfort and issues with digestion, including constipation,” Dr. Ansari says. This happens because your intestines get compressed, which studies show inhibit their ability to push food through the digestive tract. Plus, “slouching or hunching over can decrease the amount of air you are able to take into your lungs,” Dr. Ansari says. “Some studies have also shown that people with poor posture may be more prone to depression