Find out what your favourite sitting position says about you!

Are you a Virgo or a Capricorn? Born in the year of the rat or rooster? INFP or ESTJ? And the ultimate question: Do you sit with your knees straight or do you cross your legs?

At least once in your life, you’ve probably looked up your star sign, your animal sign (according to the Chinese zodiac), or you’ve taken the Myers-Briggs personality test. When you did, wasn’t it so satisfying to see the results matching up with who you are?

Many of us turn to these ‘signs’ or indicators in hopes of uncovering insights into our intricately-weaved personalities. We’re so fascinating that — and this may come as a shock to you — even your go-to sitting position can reveal tons about you!

If you find yourself always sitting a certain way, behavioural experts claim that it must be because of the kind of person that you are. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the most common sitting positions and reveal what each one says about someone’s personality. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our trip into the human psyche!

#1: Knees straight, shoulders back, feet on the floor

We’re starting strong with the ultimate sitting position — the one we strive to emulate whenever we’re told to “Sit up straight!” or “Mind your posture” as early as our toddler years.

The upright sitting position is often linked back to high levels of confidence, and it’s easy to see why. Those who sit this way aren’t afraid to take up space and appear tall even when they’re on a chair. They’ve got this “I-have-my-life-together” aura surrounding them because, if they’re disciplined enough to train themselves to sit upright, then they must be disciplined enough to get their act together, right?

People who sit this way are perceived to be smart, strong, and driven by logic more than emotion. Science backs this belief as studies suggest that slouching – the opposite of sitting upright – decreases lung capacity by up to 30 per cent, causing lower oxygen levels in the brain, and affecting its cognitive performance. But if you sit upright, there’s no need to worry about this!

When it comes to the spaces they occupy, they know how to keep them neat and organised. It does not sit well with them to leave their home or workspace looking messy and unkempt. With this, other people may have the impression that they’re high maintenance, however, that is not the case for all.

More importantly, upright sitters are believed to be honest, reliable, and know how to keep their calm amid conflict. They tend to have an optimistic mindset; always looking at the bright side of life.

#2: Knees and feet apart

Have you ever been annoyed by someone because of all the space they’re hogging when seated? Then you’ve probably encountered someone who sits with knees and feet apart.

Described as self-absorbed and arrogant, those who sit this way are thought to be judgmental. But the truth is they are the ones often misjudged by others. What people perceive as self-centredness only stems from their pursuit of perfection and fear of failure. They are ambitious, strong-willed, and will never back down when faced with challenges.

Their brains are wired differently than someone who sits with their knees straight. According to previous studies, they tend to have their thoughts all over the place, messing up their schedule, their physical spaces, and even their focus. However, being attuned to chaos has its pros as well. Since they’re easily bored, you won’t find them stuck with one thing forever. They’ll make life an adventure, always exploring new places, learning new skills, and meeting new people.

#3: Legs crossed

Cross-legged sitters are seen as creative individuals with incredible imaginations. They come up with inventive ways to solve problems and are always full of bright ideas. They enjoy making friends with people who stimulate them, most especially through good conversation. If you’re looking for a loyal, ride-or-die type of friend, they’re the one!

On the other hand, crossing one’s legs also gives off a defensive vibe. This is because by doing this position, they’re effectively shrinking their body, hiding away one of the legs underneath the other. It’s as if they're putting up a wall to hide insecurities and anxiety. To give off the correct vibe, make sure you cross your legs toward the person to communicate that you like them.

#4: Hunching or slouching on a non-ergonomic chair

If you’re reading this hunched forward on an uncomfortable chair, this is your sign to switch to an ergonomic chair!

While hunching or slouching makes you appear carefree, relaxed, and laid-back, it would be detrimental to your back and spinal health if you do this for extended periods on a normal chair that won’t adjust to your needs. Those who sit this way are more prone to back pain, reduced productivity, and diminished mental clarity.

If you’re on the lookout for ways to maintain proper posture, start by getting an ergonomic chair that will provide you comfort and support no matter your sitting position.

Sit comfortably with Alterseat’s ergonomic chairs

We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into personalities based on sitting positions. Do you feel like you know yourself a little bit more after reading this? We sure hope so!

With that, we encourage you to keep sitting however you want, but be extra picky with your chair. For comfortable, high-quality ergonomic chair solutions, shop Alterseat. Your lower back deserves it!

References:

5 signs your back pain might be an emergency | Back and Spine | Orthopaedics and Rehab | UT Southwestern Medical Center. (n.d.). https://utswmed.org/medblog/5-signs-your-back-pain-might-be-emergency/
Back Pain. (2021, December 17). National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/back-pain
Just a moment. . . (n.d.). https://www.umms.org/health-services/spine/signs-symptoms