The Benefits of Sitting on the Floor

by | Jun 22, 2023 | Fitness tips | 0 comments

Have you ever wondered why children often gravitate towards sitting on the floor? It’s not because they’re lazy or don’t know how to use a chair. In fact, as they probably feel instinctively, there are a number of health benefits to sitting on the floor.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of sitting on the floor and how you can incorporate more floor sitting into your daily life.

Benefits of Sitting on the Floor

  • Improved posture. When you sit on the floor, you are forced to sit up straighter than when you sit in a chair. This is because your spine is not supported, and in general it will move to a more natural position than when you are sitting on the floor.
  • Reduced back pain. Sitting on the floor can help to reduce back pain by strengthening your core muscles. When you sit in a chair, your core muscles are not engaged as much, which can lead to back pain.
  • Increased flexibility. Sitting on the floor can help to improve your flexibility by stretching your hip flexors and hamstrings.
  • Better circulation. Sitting on the floor can help to improve your circulation by increasing blood flow to your legs.
  • Reduced stress. Sitting on the floor can help to reduce stress by promoting mindfulness and relaxation.

 

How to Incorporate more Floor Sitting into your Daily Life

If you’re not used to sitting on the floor, it could feel strange or uncomfortable at first,  and it may take some time to get used to it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Start by sitting on the floor for short periods of time, such as 10-15 minutes. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend sitting on the floor each day.
  • If it is uncomfortable to sit directly on the floor, try sitting on a cushion, yoga brick or a mat
  • Find a comfortable position to sit in. You may want to try sitting cross-legged, kneeling, or sitting in a squat. You may also experiment with sitting with one or both legs outstretched for a while, to give your hamstrings a stretch. It may be that during your floor sitting time, you may want to change positions several times, and that is fine.
  • If you are not used to floor sitting, pay attention to how you stand back up again. Get up slowly and use whatever support you need. Your legs might be stiff after sitting in an unfamiliar fashion.
  • It is possible that sitting on the floor might worsen some kinds of back pain and other conditions. If you find that your pain increases when you try to sit on the floor, then consult with a doctor or physical therapist as to whether floor sitting is advisable with your condition.

Conclusion

Sitting on the floor has a number of health benefits. If you’re looking for a way to improve your health, well-being, and overall quality of life, consider incorporating more floor sitting into your daily routine.