You hear it all the time – good posture is important – yet how many people do you see with poor posture? There are too many people who don’t really pay attention to their postures because it’s usually more comfortable to slump on their chairs or couch.
However, if you knew that a poor posture can increase your mortality rate, would you sit up and stand straighter? You probably would say yes!
That’s why it’s important to develop healthy lifestyle habits to develop good posture. When you have good posture, you can avoid unnecessary stress on your spine, injuries, inflammation, and several health risks. You also feel more comfortable when your body gets used to being in its correct position again!
What Is A Good Posture?
A good posture means your body is positioned correctly and your weight is balanced, whether you’re sitting or standing. Your muscles, joints, and ligaments are not unnecessarily strained or overstretched, and you aren’t stiff.
When standing, your weight is mostly on the balls of your feet, your shoulders are back, your chin is parallel to the floor, your arms hang naturally at your sides, your knees are not locked, your hips are even, and your abdominal muscles are braced.
When sitting down, your feet rest flat on the floor and point straight ahead, your hips are even, your shoulders are back, your back is straight with the natural curves of the spine, your chin is parallel to the floor, and your ears line up over your collarbone.
A good posture has the following benefits.
- Reduces lower back pain.
- Relieves neck muscle tension that causes headaches.
- Improves energy levels.
- Increases muscle flexibility and strength.
- Increases lung capacity.
- Better circulation and digestion.
- Boosts your self-confidence!
How Can You Improve Your Posture?
Now that you have determined you need a great posture, here are some ways to address a bad one.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is essential for good posture. It helps strengthen and stretch muscles, keep the joints lubricated, and improve your flexibility.
There are simple exercises that can help improve your posture, such as yoga, Pilates, and stretching. You can choose exercises that you enjoy so it will be easier for you to follow through and be consistent. What’s important is that you keep your body active and not fall into the trap of a sedentary lifestyle.
Fix Your Position When You Sleep
Your position when you sleep can also affect your posture, so it’s important to ensure that you sleep properly. You need to keep your spine straight, which you can do by sleeping on your side and keeping a firm pillow between your knees. This helps prevent the spine from twisting asymmetrically. Sleeping on your side with your legs slightly bent also promotes comfortable breathing.
Switch Your Wardrobe
The clothes and shoes you wear, as well as the bags or purses you carry, can also influence your body’s posture. For instance, if you wear clothes that are too tight, it can cause you to slouch because your range of motion is limited.
If your clothes are too loose, you will have to pull or adjust them all the time, which is still bad for your posture. High heels can affect your body’s alignment and strain your neck and back muscles. Heavy bags and purses can strain your shoulders and back and cause an imbalance.
The key is to choose comfortable clothes and accessories that help you maintain an upright posture, and support your body’s natural alignment.
Avoid Prolonged Positions
Whether you’re at home, resting, or working, avoid staying in certain positions for a prolonged time. For instance, avoid crossing your legs when you’re seated because that can overstretch your leg muscles and misalign your spine.
Don’t sit on a very soft chair or sofa for a very long time. If you are carrying heavy objects, you have to ensure the weight is distributed evenly on both sides of your body.
In Summary
Good posture has many benefits, and it is not too late to improve your posture so you can be healthier and live longer. Take time to practice and be more conscious of your body’s position. More importantly, be patient. You can’t correct your posture overnight. So take the time to do what you need to do, and make sure you do it!