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(And Why I’m Working on It Too)
I often catch myself slumping or slouching. My shoulders creep up to my ears, my back curving forward like I’m carrying an invisible weight. It’s a habit, a default setting I didn’t even realise I had. But here’s the thing—our posture isn’t just about how we look. It’s a signal to our brain, a coded message that shifts our chemistry, shapes our emotions, and affects how we experience the world. As a coach, I see this shift in my own life too—not just in how I show up physically, but in how I show up mentally and emotionally to help others navigate some truly hard challenges. The energy required to help people grow can sometimes feel like a constant recalibration, and fixing my posture is part of my own reset to keep showing up strong.
In 2023, while in Sheffield during my mum’s last chapter, I noticed my body almost leaning forward, mirroring the stress and grief I was carrying. That’s when I realised how much our bodies reflect our emotional load. And lately, I’ve been working on my posture—not just for my body, but for my nervous system and mental health.
And lately, I’ve been working on it—not just for my body but also for my nervous system, my stress levels, and my mental well-being.
Your Posture Talks—To Your Brain, Your Body, and the World
We often think confidence and mood come first, and posture follows. But it works both ways. When you sit up straight or stand tall, something incredible happens inside your body:
Dopamine & Serotonin Boost – Good posture increases these feel-good chemicals, which help with motivation, confidence, and mood regulation.
Cortisol Reduction – Slouching can raise stress hormones, making anxiety worse. Straightening up tells your brain you’re safe, helping to calm the nervous system.
Better Oxygen Flow – An open posture lets you breathe deeper, sending more oxygen to your brain. More oxygen = more mental clarity and energy.
Endorphin Release – Holding tension (hello, hunched shoulders!) can cause pain and stiffness. When you correct your posture, your body naturally releases endorphins—your built-in painkillers and mood boosters.
Testosterone Increase – Standing tall raises confidence-boosting hormones and helps you feel more in control. While testosterone is often associated with men, it plays a key role in both men and women, influencing confidence, energy, and mood. This isn’t about arrogance—it’s about self-assurance.
Rewiring My Default Setting
I’ll be honest, breaking the habit isn’t easy. Slouching is familiar, comforting in a way, like curling into myself when I’m tired or overwhelmed. But I’m learning that shifting my posture isn’t just a physical adjustment—it’s a nervous system reset.
When I catch myself rounding forward, I take a deep breath, roll my shoulders back, and remind myself: this isn’t just about standing up straight. It’s about sending a message to my brain that I’m here, I’m present, and I’m choosing strength.
Small Shifts, Big Impact
If you’re like me and default to slumping, here’s what I’m trying:
Micro-adjustments – Every time I catch my shoulders creeping up, I drop them down and back. No pressure, no force—just awareness.
Grounding with breath – Expanding my ribcage and breathing into my belly instead of my chest helps me reset my posture naturally.
Opening my body – Crossing my arms and legs all day keeps me closed off. Stretching, opening up, and even standing in a ‘power pose’ for 30 seconds can shift my entire mood.
Thinking of posture as self-care – Not an aesthetic goal, but a way to feel better, think clearer, and reset my nervous system.
Posture isn’t just physical—it’s chemical, emotional, and deeply connected to our well-being. And as I work on this shift, I know I’m not just standing taller—I’m healing, one breath, one adjustment at a time.
I am called to help people make deep changes and navigate tough challenges, and as I help others reset their nervous systems and shift their perspective, I’m also continuously working to reset my own. These small shifts—like standing taller—make a profound difference in how we feel and how we show up, both for ourselves and for others.
Maybe you’ll try it too?
If this is something you want to improve, I’d love to help. There are so many ways we can activate your good chemicals beyond posture—small, powerful shifts that can transform how you feel every day. Let’s work together to reset your nervous system, boost your confidence, and create lasting change.
Reach out and let’s get started!
Love, love Caron xx
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