Take These Steps to Improve Your Posture

There is a lot more to good posture than just standing up straight to look your best. It is important to your health in the long run. You can avoid pain, injuries, and other health problems by making sure to hold your body correctly, whether you are moving or not.

What is Posture?

The way your spine is aligned is the key to good posture. Your neck, middle back, and lower back all have natural curves in the spine. The right posture should keep these curves the same, not make them bigger. Hold the top of your shoulders over your hips, and your head should be higher than your shoulders.

How Can Posture Affect Your Health?

Poor posture can lead to health issues. You might not realize it’s affecting you until you’re in pain. Some issues that poor posture can include the following:

  • Deteriorate your spine – which might make it more fragile
  • Create neck and shoulder pain, not to mention back pain
  • Decrease your flexibility
  • Puts you off balance
  • Poor posture can make it harder to digest your food.
  • Poor posture can make it harder to breathe.

How Can You Approve Your Posture?

  • Be mindful of how you’re holding yourself throughout the day.
  • Stay active – even if it’s only a few minutes a day.
  • Maintain optimal weight.
  • Consider what shoes you are wearing.
  • Pay attention to work heights – this includes counters in the kitchen and your office desk.

Do You Need to Pay Attention Even When Sitting Down?

Whether you’re sitting down or standing, you have to pay attention to your posture. In an effort to maintain good posture even when you’re seated, you can follow these tips.

  • Don’t stay seated for too long – get up and move around.
  • Stretch throughout the day to keep yourself moving.
  • Pay attention to how you’re sitting, and try not to cross your legs.
  • It’s important to make sure your feet are touching the floor.
  • Make sure that your back, hips, and thighs are fully supported.

How Can I Stand With Better Posture?

  • Straighten up and stand tall.
  • Keep your back straight.
  • Pull your belly button in.
  • Put the majority of your weight on the balls of your feet.
  • Don’t tilt your head.
  • Your arms should hang at your sides naturally.
  • Your feet should be about the width of your shoulders apart.

Conclusion

There are a few things you can do to improve your posture and decrease any back pain you might have. If your back pain becomes too hard, talk to your physician.