In our everyday lives, we are often surrounded by high furniture like chairs, couches, or sofas. However, recent research on healthier lifestyles has revealed that sitting on the ground, just like in ancient times, can offer numerous physical and mental benefits. Sitting on the floor can have a significant impact on our well-being. Here are some of the benefits of sitting on the ground:
1. Improves Your Posture
Sitting on the ground has a positive effect on your back and spine health. When sitting on high chairs, the body often assumes incorrect positions. However, when you sit on the floor, you are forced to adopt a more natural posture. This can strengthen your back muscles and help improve your posture in the long term. For example, the "Turkish sitting" position or "cross-legged" sitting, commonly seen in Turkish culture, can aid in maintaining a proper alignment of the spine.
2. Strengthens Muscles
Sitting on the ground requires you to actively use your muscles to maintain balance. Specifically, your leg muscles, hip muscles, and core muscles work harder to stabilize your body in this position. Over time, this can help strengthen these muscles. Additionally, sitting on the floor promotes better blood circulation and can increase flexibility in your legs.
3. Increases Flexibility
Sitting on the ground typically requires more stretching of your legs and hips. Regularly sitting on the floor can be an excellent way to increase flexibility. For instance, sitting cross-legged can stretch your hip muscles and knees, helping to improve flexibility. These movements contribute to increased muscle flexibility and joint mobility.
4. Reduces Stress
Mentally, sitting on the floor can provide a sense of calm and tranquility. Sitting on high chairs may create stress or tension, as these sitting positions can lead to greater energy expenditure and less physical comfort. When you sit on the floor, however, your energy expenditure decreases, and your body may feel more relaxed. Additionally, sitting on the ground allows for a closer connection with nature, which can help improve mental health and reduce stress.
5. Enhances Balance and Coordination
Sitting on the floor requires both mental and physical focus to maintain balance. This can help improve your overall balance and coordination. Mentally, when you sit on the ground, you have to focus on keeping your body in a natural, balanced position. This practice can improve both mental and physical equilibrium.
6. Gives a Sense of Returning to Your Roots
Sitting on the ground is an integral part of many cultures and traditions. Sitting in a natural position can evoke a sense of peace and connection to both nature and human history. People have historically sat on the floor, and this position may have psychological effects that promote relaxation and comfort.
7. Supports Circulation
Sitting on high chairs can sometimes hinder blood circulation, especially when your legs are bent for long periods. Sitting on the ground encourages better blood flow throughout the body. By stretching your legs and hips, blood can flow more efficiently to other parts of the body, ensuring better oxygen and nutrient delivery.
Conclusion
Sitting on the ground offers a variety of health benefits. It improves your posture, strengthens muscles, increases flexibility, and supports mental well-being. All these effects suggest that sitting on the floor can be a healthy habit for people of all ages. Of course, it’s important to be mindful and use proper techniques when sitting on the ground. Regularly practicing this type of sitting can contribute to both physical and mental health in the long run.