Tips for improving your posture
Good posture is about much more than looking confident and poised. It’s an important part of your long-term health. Sitting or standing in the right position enables our bodies to function properly.
By maintaining good posture, whether you’re moving or still, you can prevent injuries and other health problems, including spinal curvature, back pain, sore muscles, blood vessel and nerve constriction, restricted breathing, tension headaches, and digestion problems.
Take a look at these tips for improving your posture:
- Be mindful of your posture during everyday activities, like watching TV, washing dishes, or walking.
- Keep work surfaces at a comfortable height – whether you’re sitting in front of a computer, making dinner, or eating a meal.
• When sitting, make sure that your back, thighs and hips are fully supported with your thighs and hips parallel to the floor, keep your elbows bent between 90 and 120 degrees, don’t cross your legs and keep your feet flat on the floor.
Remember to get up and take frequent breaks.
• Stay active – any kind of exercise may help improve your posture, but certaintypes of exercises can be especially helpful, such as yoga, pilates and tai chi.
• Maintain a healthy weight – extra weight can weaken your abdominal muscles, cause problems for your pelvis and spine, and contribute to low back pain.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes – high heels can affect your balance and force you to walk differently, placing more stress on your muscles and harming your posture.