Posture, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Slouching can increase stress on the sympathetic nervous system in several ways. First, when you slouch, your ribcage contracts, resulting in restricted breathing. This can lead to shallow breathing and an increase in breathing rate, which triggers the body's stress response. Chronic muscle tension can also activate the sympathetic nervous system and make the body feel like it is in a constant state of stress. The sympathetic system triggers the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels in the body. When this reaction is activated over a long period of time, it can lead to an increase in blood pressure and an increased risk of developing hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Cortisol also contributes to weight gain!