The Importance of Good Posture and How to Achieve It
Good posture is important for a variety of reasons. Not only does it make you look more confident and put-together, but it also helps you avoid pain and injuries. Poor posture puts unnecessary strain on your muscles and joints, which can lead to a whole host of problems down the line. So how can you improve your posture? Read on for some helpful suggestions from Tips from Tia.
Being Tall Can Work Against You
If you’re tall, you know that good posture is especially important. That’s because when you slouch, you’re not just making yourself look shorter — you’re also putting extra strain on your spine. When you stand up straight, however, you take the pressure off your spine and distribute your weight more evenly. This helps alleviate back pain and prevents future injuries.
We are often unaware of how we are holding our bodies. Sometimes it can be helpful to see examples of both good and bad posture as models. Try checking videos and photos of tall celebrities to see how they stand, sit, and walk. They are often captured in candid positions, and will provide a more accurate depiction of how they really move. You’ll quickly begin to identify the tall people with good and bad posture.
Technology is Killing Our Good Posture
These days, almost everyone spends hours looking down at their phones, laptops, and other electronic devices. This puts a lot of strain on your neck and shoulders, which can lead to what’s known as “tech neck,” explains Health Matters. Symptoms include neck pain, headaches, and upper back pain. To avoid tech neck, make sure to take breaks often and try to hold your electronic devices at eye level as much as possible.
One strategy to try is sending documents you need to read over to your smartphone or tablet. These devices are easier to position in ways that won’t strain your neck. While it’s usually easier to keep all your PDFs saved as one file, you might occasionally need to separate one of them. If so, there’s a free tool you can use to help; click here for more info.
Also, if you work from home, make sure your office is comfortable and conducive to your health. For example, invest in an ergonomic desk chair, and make sure your office has good lighting to help you avoid eye strain. Natural light is best, whenever possible.
Chiropractors Can Help
If you’re dealing with chronic pain or want to prevent future injuries, visiting a chiropractor is a great idea. Chiropractors are trained in spinal manipulation and can help align your spine, relieving pressure and improving your posture in the process. In addition, they can provide helpful advice on how to improve your posture in your everyday life.
Ensure Your Medical Records are Up-to-Date and Organized
If you have back problems, it’s important to keep all of your medical records organized in one place. That way, if you ever need to see a new doctor or specialist, they’ll have all the information they need right at their fingertips — literally. You can create a file on your computer or keep hard copies in a box or filing cabinet. Just make sure everything is clearly labeled so you can find what you need quickly and easily.
Assessing Your Mattress
If you often wake up with a sore back or stiff neck, it might be time to invest in a firmer mattress. A mattress that’s too soft doesn’t provide enough support for your back and can actually contribute to poor posture. On the other hand, a mattress that’s too firm can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. The best mattress is one that’s somewhere in the middle — not too soft and not too hard — so it provides the perfect amount of support for your back and joints.
Don’t Forget to Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good posture. That’s because strong muscles help support your spine and keep it properly aligned. Focus on exercises that work the muscles in your core — such as crunches, sit-ups, and planks — as well as exercises that strengthen your back muscles — such as rows and Superman exercises. Yoga is also great for improving posture since it helps lengthen and stretch tight muscles while strengthening others.
Take a Few Steps Toward Better Posture
Improving your posture is important for many reasons — including preventing pain, reducing injuries, and looking taller. There are many easy ways to improve your posture, whether it’s exercising, investing in a firmer mattress, taking breaks from electronics, or being more intentional about our body positioning. By incorporating even just some of these tips into your daily routine, you’ll start seeing results in no time.
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