Stop Slouching! 6 Tips for Improving Your Posture
Proper posture looks more attractive and it’s vital to your overall health and well-being. When you practice good posture, you’re likely to have a better mental outlook, feel better, and have more confidence. For one thing, slouching is a common culprit for stiff necks and achy backs. Maintaining proper posture reduces the stress on your ligaments, muscles, and joints. Good posture can reduce fatigue in people experiencing depression and standing tall can boost a person’s self-confidence.
6 Ways to improve your posture:
#1. Strengthen your core. The best way to improve your posture is to focus on exercises that strengthen your abdominal and low back muscles that connect to your spine and pelvis. Pilates, yoga, and core fitness exercises programs target the core, are great ways to help improve your posture.
#2. Schedule an ergonomic assessment of your workstation to ensure your work desk set-up isn’t contributing to bad posture and pain. To properly set up your workstation, your chair should have a straight back and your feet should be flat on the floor. Your screen should be at eye-level and consider using an adjustable standing desk that allows you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout your workday.
#3. Avoid tech neck. Whether you’re streaming your favorite show on your tablet or texting a friend on your smartphone, having your head in a downward position can lead to neck problems and poor posture. It’s a good idea to raise your screen higher, hold your head up, keep your phone at eye level, and take breaks often.
4. Watch your sleep position. Choose a firm mattress that provides good support to your spine, and avoid sleeping on your stomach. Sleep on your side or back, to keep your spine in a neutral position. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
5. Get adjusted. Chiropractors can correct poor posture, such as forward head posture or slouching, and realign your spine. After a thorough exam to determine the root cause behind your posture problem, your chiropractor can start fixing it. Chiropractors can help you with various postural problems, including:
- Uneven hips or pelvis
- Damage that disturbs the normal curvature of the spine
- Hunchback
- Scoliosis
- Forward head posture
6. Move. Humans were designed to move, not live a sedentary life. Any position can become a painful one if held for too long, so set timers for yourself as a reminder to get up, jump around, move, breathe, and stretch.
Your posture is more than just the way you carry yourself. The effects of poor posture can carry over into your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Fixing bad posture on your own isn’t easy–just reminding yourself to stand up straighter won’t help when there are root issues behind your poor posture. Whether it’s caused by injury, stress, or anything in between, it takes a professional to help you get into the right place.
If you’re experiencing back pain or other issues from poor posture, the Seattle chiropractors at Devine Chiropractic & Rehab Center would like to help. Schedule a visit today!
