Why when people stand up for a long time their bodies don’t stay still, it is as if it is rocking on its own?

Question

I don’t know if it only happens to me, but I remember when I was in highschool in every single morning we had to stand up and sing the national anthem and I always felt that my body was rocking even though I tried my best to stay still

In: Biology

Answer 1

You’re keeping your balance.

Standing up is an active thing, your muscles are constantly working to keep you up straight and not just collapse down in a heap do to gravity.

So when you’re standing for a long period of time, those muscles will to start get tired.

You probably aren’t swaying/rocking that much, but has you lean slightly forward/slightly back, your muscles are adjusting to try to keep you upright, and you can feel those adjustments.