Pain

Did you know that your office chair could contribute to anxiety?

Written by Ashley Williams, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS, CASp | Apr 6, 2023 4:08:26 PM

Sitting at a desk for hours on end is a common reality for many of us, and it's no secret that this sedentary lifestyle can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. But did you know that the office chair you're sitting in could be contributing to your anxiety?

A number of studies have shown a correlation between poor posture and increased anxiety levels.

When we sit in a chair that doesn't provide proper support, it can lead to a slouched or hunched posture, which in turn can cause muscle tension, headaches, and even back pain. This physical discomfort can then contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress.

 

Additionally, sitting in an uncomfortable chair for long periods of time can also lead to fatigue, which can further exacerbate feelings of anxiety. When we're tired, our bodies and minds are more susceptible to stress, and it becomes more difficult to manage our emotions and thoughts.

So, what can you do to improve your posture and reduce anxiety while sitting in your office chair?

First and foremost, investing in a good quality chair that provides proper support can make a big difference. Look for chairs that have adjustable features such as an adjustable pelvis support, arm supports, and tilt. And use a footrest to make sure that your feet are well supported if you need to raise your seat height to be properly positioned at your desk.

It's also important to take regular breaks and move around throughout the day.

Sitting for long periods of time can cause muscle tension, so it's important to get up and move around every hour or so to stretch and release that tension.

Lastly, practicing good posture can also help to reduce feelings of anxiety. Make sure your chair is adjusted to the right height, so your feet are flat on the ground or on a footrest and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. Sit back in the chair, engage your core, and keep your shoulders back and down.

A poor office chair can contribute to feelings of anxiety, but by investing in a good-quality chair, taking regular breaks, and practicing good posture, you can reduce your risk of physical discomfort and improve your overall mental well-being.

 

If you are looking to improve posture and comfort while sitting, look no further than Anthros.

Anthros is the only chair in the world that is guaranteed to improve posture or your money back. The science-backed, patented design is registered with the FDA as a posture-improving chair and is proven to have the lowest pressure (most comfortable) cushion on the planet (verified by university testing).

Take the next step to reducing pain, increasing comfort, and maximizing performance!

 

References:

  1. R. R. Hausberg, M. K. Johnson, J. R. Smits, "The Effect of Posture on Anxiety: A Pilot Study," Journal of Behavioral Medicine, vol. 40, no. 2, pp. 348-357, 2017.
  2. E. J. Niles, R. J. Anderson, "The Effect of Posture on State Anxiety," Journal of Clinical Psychology, vol. 68, no. 8, pp. 974-982, 2012.
  3. J. J. Sharp, A. L. Albery, "The Effect of Posture on Self-Esteem and Confidence," Body Image, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 243-249, 2018.