Stand Straight. Walk Tall. Think. Talk.
Everyone was walking around the grocery store, slightly bent over, looking at their shoes, not talking to anyone. I noticed it when I first entered, yet it was true throughout the store. People shopped, checked out, and left the store in that manner. I left the store wondering if this was normal behavior. Are we afraid of each other, or just shy? After all, how do you keep your mind sharp if you're not walking tall, engaging people's eyes, and talking to someone, perhaps even strangers?
Next, I went to my favorite Target store to pick up a couple of items, and oh my gosh, it was the same! This no-talking scenario perplexed me, as I like talking to people and initiating a conversation whenever possible. I picked up the school supplies I was looking for and headed to one of the regular checkout stations, not self-checkout, as I was planning on using a gift card, and they are always more complicated than they should be. As I approached the first lane, I noticed the attendant was standing there with a big smile, looking directly at me. Ahha, I thought, someone wants to talk to me; life is good.
Over the next several shopping trips, I paid attention to people when they shopped. Many, of course, were intent on finding the goods they were looking for, appearing to be on a tight schedule. Some looked as if they were wandering around the store, not visibly looking for anything; perhaps they only wanted to enjoy the day, who knows. Then there was the crowd leaning on their cart, seemingly always looking down, and, yes, the talkers like myself, who stand straight, walk tall, and talk while looking at you.
So, what's my point in all of this? It's simply this: "strong mind, strong body." We need and want mental clarity individually, yet we slowly allow ourselves to become crooked. We slouch when we sit. We slump when we stand and walk in every way but straight and tall. Think of it this way: when you bend a water hose, it becomes pinched at the bend. Water doesn't flow as it should. An electrical cable will become very hot at the pinch as it's restricting the flow of electricity. So, what do you think happens to your spine, brain, and everything else fed by your spinal column?
The networking organization to which I belonged had a chiropractor, Dr. Paul. He would tell us that our head is like a bowling ball; if you do not sit or stand straight, consider the weight it puts on your spine. In short, this is unhealthy, affecting everything connected to your spine. Last I checked, your brain is one of those things your spine feeds, right?
If you google "why should I stand straight or erect, you find things such as:
"Standing/sitting up straight reduces the weight on our joints, muscles and spine. By going straight we reduce both pain and the possibility of a future injury and disabilities. Proper posture is a crucial factor affecting how you move, how you walk, how you run, how you jump."
"Good posture is about more than standing up straight so you can look your best. It is an important part of your long-term health. Making sure that you hold your body the right way, whether you are moving or still, can prevent pain, injuries, and other health problems."
"Good posture activates your assertiveness. When you stand tall, your posture promotes respect from others as well as self-respect, regardless of your actual position in an organizational hierarchy, according to research. It may also increase your chances of success in a job search."
Activate your brain by sitting and standing straight, practice walking tall, think about the benefits, and find someone to talk to! I think it seems to be a perfect way to treat yourself.
You'll be helping the world be a kinder and friendlier place to live, one person at a time.