4 Ways To Improve Your Posture

Four Ways To Improve Your Posture

4 Ways To Improve Your Posture

Most people dont think posture is included in a persons overall health and wellness.  But it actually plays a big part in your health.  Using good posture allows your entire body to be properly aligned.  This means your bones and muscles (even your ligaments and tendons) can properly operate.  

Good posture can release any stress or tension in your neck, shoulders, and back, strengthen your muscles, and reduce the risk of future injuries.  

Bad posture can cause back pain, permanent habits, and reduced circulation. Thankfully, with these four simple tips, you can correct your posture and improve your overall health.

Keep It In Line

Often times while people are driving, sitting at their desks or even walking around, they find themselves leaning too far forward or too far back.  Doing so puts your posture out of line. This happens to people for hours at a time throughout the day, week and year! This amount of time really adds up and causes much pain.  

It is important to keep repositioning yourself when you find yourself out of line. Your ears should line up with your shoulders and your shoulder blades should be down and back.  This ensures that your chest is up and out and your neck and back are perfectly aligned. Strengthening your upper back can help prevent rounded shoulders, too.

Even Things Out

You may notice that one shoulder may be higher than the other.  This imbalance could be because you always carry your computer/work bag, child or purse in one hand or on one shoulder.  Be sure to alternate which hand and shoulder you carry things with. It is also important to take time to stretch out your trapezius muscles 2-3 times each day.  Hold your stretches for 10 or more seconds on each side.

Also, the correct way to sit is where your legs are uncrossed and both of your feet are flat on the ground below you.  This will help improve your posture. Try not to stretch your legs out in front of you, either. If you find that sitting correctly is uncomfortable, try resting your feet on a short box or stool to give them a bit of elevation.

Core Strength

Strengthening your core is a good way to start improving your posture.  With strong abdominal muscles, lower back muscles, obliques, and hips, sitting or standing up with good posture is easier and more natural. You experience better balance and your body moves more easily and efficiently with strong core muscles.  Strengthening your core muscles can relieve and prevent any lower back pain and future injuries.

Make It a Habit

Practice makes perfect.  And practicing good posture is no different.  Practicing good posture will lead to it becoming a habit.  Post sticky notes around your desk, car and home reminding yourself to sit or stand up properly.  Enroll in yoga classes which require good posture. Bad posture is usually just a bad habit, so it may take some time and discipline to iron it out and start a good habit.

 

No Comments

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.