A reminder such as “stand up straight” is likely something everyone has heard before, and for a good reason. There are many benefits to keeping good posture throughout your day to day life. Work, school and the demands of life all can take a toll on the body, but being mindful of things you can do to alleviate this is key. Increasing your awareness of your posture on a day to day basis will help develop strength, balance and relaxation throughout your body. This allows you to be more aware of your body and muscles.
Practice makes perfect
Training your body to maintain good posture can be done with simple reminders to yourself. During the day take a moment to analyze your posture and make some simple corrections.
An easy method is known as a shoulder shrug; stand up straight with your chest out and simply shrug your shoulders up and down using increments of 10 seconds. This easy exercise not only brings mindfulness to the way your posture may be, but allows you to take a moment away from your task to focus on yourself and your body.
Many of us sit in an office chair for long periods of time throughout the work day staring at a computer or books. It is easy to slouch and change positions to more comfortable ones during this time, but it is important to try to maintain a straight back to avoid shoulder and neck pain.
Physical Benefits
There are many physical benefits of maintaining good posture over time.
- Fewer headaches
Often, by correcting posture we can reduce the muscle tension in the upper body and neck and improve headaches.
- Reduced lower back pain
Sitting and standing in slouched positions for long periods of time can stress your lower back; putting pressure on the posterior structures of the spine.
- Increased self confidence
With a straight back and your ears resting aligned with your shoulders you may appear taller, slimmer and have increased self confidence.
Quick tip! Pay attention to your posture as you enter a room and when you start your day.
Posture plays a role in so many aspects of your life, so making sure you keep your posture correct during the day is key to a productive life
If poor posture has you in a world of hurt, contact our office to find a treatment that may be beneficial to you!
