1. Arrest your slouch
Slouching increases the stress on your spine. That in turn strains your bones muscles and joints required to hold the backbone in place. However the problems that come with a bad posture are more deep rooted than one imagines it to be. A constant hunch pushes your internal organs together, and eventually making it harder for your lungs and intestines to work. This in turn affects digestion and respiration.
2. Stand Up Straight
Standing up tall not only makes you feel better and look better but makes you look slimmer, even, in addition to all its health benefits. A quick tip to check your posture is to stand against a wall briefly to revisit the right spinal alignment. Your ears should be over the middle of your shoulders with your shoulders back, knees straight, and belly tucked in. Elongating the head towards the sky also pulls the body to its optimum resting posture.
3. Beware of the Comfort of a Desk
It’s natural to give into a slouched posture especially when seated, with your shoulders curving inwards towards the screen you’re facing. Sometimes it’s even comfortable to lean back. Try this instead: Sit all the way back in your chair. Place a small, rolled-up towel or lumbar cushion behind your mid-back to protect your spine’s natural curve. Placing your feet flat on the floor, knees at a ninety degree angle can do wonders.
4. Watch Out For ‘Text Neck’
On your smartphone all day long? Take a minute to stretch your neck. When you tilt your head down to check messages it really strains your spine. Over the course of a day — or year — that can add up. For a better view, lift the phone up and move your eyes, not your head.
5. Don’t Be a Low-Rider
Sure, it’s cool and comfy to recline during a long drive. But it isn’t great for your posture. Instead, pull your seat close to the steering wheel. Try not to lock your legs. Bend your knees slightly. They should be at hip level or a tad above. Don’t forget to put a pillow or rolled-up towel behind you for support.
6. Save Heels for a Big Night Out
Fashion over comfort? Maybe. Fashion over health? Never. Pumps and stilettos shift pressure right onto the base of your spine by over-arching your back. That can change the way your backbone lines up and put pressure on your nerves, which causes back pain. Sky-high shoes also puts more weight on your knees. Choose a lower, chunky heel for daily wear.
7. Are you sleeping right?
A soft mattress is really detrimental to a good posture. A firm one that retains the spine’s natural shape. Side sleeper? No problem. Keep a check on how inward your knees are bent. A pillow is not extremely necessary for a good snooze but if preferred, place a pillow under your head so it’s level with your spine. Back sleepers should ditch the thick pillow and opt for a small one under the neck.
8. Abs attention
Too many pounds around your belly puts added stress on your back. Often people with back problems are the ones suffering from mild to severe obesity. It is important to pay attention to the abdomen region to keep these back problems at bay.
