How is your posture?
Our body posture determines our physical and mental state. The term posture is used to describe how your body is positioned when you’re sitting, standing, walking and lying down. Good posture facilitates ease of movement, strengthens muscles and improves flexibility. Proper posture is important because it places your body in an alignment where the stress is properly distributed to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. It reduces the risk of joint pains or degenerative arthritis.
Being conscious of our posture or sitting with our spine straight without slouching is the first discipline we can inculcate towards good posture. A good posture speaks volumes about the person’s personality, confidence, and attitude. As a child, we always keep hearing from our elders ‘sit straight’. Here are 6 tips for better posture to consider:
1. Focus on Awareness
The first step to improving posture is becoming aware of how you stand, move, walk and sit. Pay attention to the spine and neck during the day. Consider keeping track of how often you slouch, crane the neck, and/or how you are texting on your phone.
2. Practice
The only way to change the posture is to practice different ways of standing, moving, walking or sitting. It is not enough to talk about changing these things. You must commit to practicing good posture every day. Fatigue and stress should not be excuses for neglecting good habits!
3. Improve Posture While Sitting
When sitting, the feet should be on the floor. Also, avoid crossing the legs. The chair or sofa needs to provide adequate support for the back so you can maintain a comfortable spinal position. Pay attention to your back and avoid slouching or leaning forward. When working at a computer, be sure your screen is at eye level.
4. Improve Posture While Standing
The goal is to maintain a neutral spine while standing. Put most of the weight on the balls of the feet and bend the knees a little. Focus on standing straight with the shoulders back. Make sure to shift your weight while standing for longer periods of time.
5. Improve Posture While Sleeping
Avoid sleeping on the stomach because it affects the spine in a negative way. In addition, make sure the mattress and pillows are comfortable but provide enough support for the back and neck. Consider sleeping on your back or side to reduce pain. The American Chiropractic Association recommends using an additional pillow between the legs or under the knees for people who sleep on their side or on their back.
6. Come in for a Visit
Upon review of your situation, I can recommend specific exercises, do spinal adjustments, and/or other treatments designed to help you improve your posture and strengthen the core. We can answer questions, give advice for any of the suggestions listed, and help make suggestions about improving the ergonomics of your home or office for good posture today, and for your future!
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