Introduction to Gravity Goldilocks Zone
It’s a force to be reckoned with. Gravity is what holds Earth in orbit around the sun and keeps us from floating off into space. Unfortunately, it can — quite literally — be a real downer. The constant pull of gravity compresses our spine, loads our joints and requires our muscles to work harder to keep us upright.
Effects of Gravity on the Human Body
Gravity is always trying to pull you to the center of the Earth. It’s easy to slip into poor posture, especially in the era of smartphones. Hunching, slouching and slumping can cause muscle imbalances, resulting in pain, joint issues and decreased mobility over time. And gravity doesn’t just influence posture. It also affects digestion, mood and overall health, so much so that biogravitational medicine has become a buzzy area of research.
Finding the Gravity Goldilocks Zone
That’s why Dr. Brennan Spiegel says you need to find your “gravity Goldilocks zone” — the sweet spot where your body, mind and habits are aligned with Earth’s pull. “Too little gravity, like in space, causes bone loss, muscle wasting, circulation problems and gut issues,” Spiegel, author of the new book, “PULL: How Gravity Shapes Your Body, Steadies the Mind, and Guides Our Health,” told The Post. “Too much lying flat, like in a hospital bed, also harms digestion and blood flow.”
Techniques for Aligning with Gravity
A standing desk encourages movement and good posture. Gravity significantly influences posture. To find this perfect balance of posture, activity and recovery, Spiegel recommends taking stock of your body’s response to gravity. Ask yourself if you feel more energized using a standing desk instead of sitting down. Does a wedge pillow reduce your nighttime reflux? Do yoga inversions or core exercises improve your digestion?
Identifying Your Personal Balance Point
“Paying attention to these signals helps identify your personal balance point,” explained Spiegel, a UCLA professor and Cedars-Sinai’s director of Health Services Research. “In my new book, ‘PULL,’ I discuss over 50 ways to align your body with gravity to meet the needs of your unique body and mind.” These techniques help keep you upright, invigorated, resilient and ready to tackle daily tasks. It may mean getting a standing desk, exercising more, addressing sleep issues, eating better, drinking more water and undergoing floatation therapy.
Benefits of Finding the Gravity Goldilocks Zone
Lower cabin pressure, dehydration and a sedentary position can worsen bloating on a flight. Identifying the Goldilocks zone could also make flying more pleasant. Spiegel has floated the theory that the body’s struggle to manage gravity can contribute to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and bloating. Bloating can get really bad at 10,000 feet. The phenomenon, known as “jet belly,” is primarily triggered by lower cabin pressure and less movement during a flight, causing gases in the body to expand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding your gravity Goldilocks zone is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. By understanding how gravity affects your body and taking steps to align with it, you can improve your digestion, muscles, circulation, and overall health. It’s not just about comfort, but about thriving under gravity’s constant pull. By applying the techniques discussed in this article, you can take the first step towards finding your perfect balance and living a healthier, happier life.
FAQs
Q: What is the gravity Goldilocks zone?
A: The gravity Goldilocks zone refers to the sweet spot where your body, mind, and habits are aligned with Earth’s gravitational pull.
Q: How can I find my gravity Goldilocks zone?
A: You can find your gravity Goldilocks zone by paying attention to your body’s response to gravity and taking steps to align with it, such as using a standing desk, exercising regularly, and addressing sleep issues.
Q: What are the benefits of finding my gravity Goldilocks zone?
A: The benefits of finding your gravity Goldilocks zone include improved digestion, muscles, circulation, and overall health, as well as reduced symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and bloating.
Q: Can finding my gravity Goldilocks zone help with flying?
A: Yes, identifying your gravity Goldilocks zone can help make flying more pleasant by reducing symptoms of jet belly and other gravity-related issues.