Do you struggle with maintaining good posture throughout the day? I spend a lot of time at my desk staring at the computer and find myself slouching. I usually don’t notice until my back and shoulders are achy.
Did you know that good posture has many benefits besides avoiding neck, back and shoulder pain?
Just look at some of the benefits of good posture:
- Helps with breathing. I think we can all agree that breathing is important. Standing tall facilitates proper breathing by allowing you to take in more air and exhale fully. If you’ve ever taken a yoga or pilates class, they emphasize using ideal posture because it helps with breathing.
- Improves concentration and thinking. Oxygen is an important component in brain function. Increased oxygen from proper breathing helps the brain function at a higher level. Standing or sitting tall increases the flow of oxygen to the brain.
- Increased confidence and image. Proper posture can give you the feeling of confident and that is visible to others that see you.
- Provides health benefits. Good posture can help avoid neck, back and shoulder pain that result from slouching or slumping in a chair. It also helps with circulation since that is the way our bodies were designed to work.
If you are not naturally inclined to stand tall with good posture or have established poor habits such as slouching or slumping, try these tips to help correct your posture and begin to enjoy some of the benefits created:
- Imagine a string being pulled from the top of your head. When the string is pulled, it pulls your entire body into the proper position. You’ll be standing or sitting taller with your back straight.
- Use an ergonomic chair. Chairs like this one provide proper alignment for the spine and keep you comfortable throughout the day.
- Periodically check your posture. Use reminders to check in and assess your posture. You will likely need to check in frequently at first but over time it will become a more natural position for you.
- Try alternative seating. Sitting on a stability ball will force you to use good posture while sitting because there is no way to slouch.
- Be sure to do back stretching and strengthening exercises. Many yoga poses such as mountain pose, cobra and cat and cow are particularly beneficial to posture.
- Relax your shoulders. From time to time, roll your shoulders and make sure they are relaxed. This will help you avoid tensing up and creating poor posture.
- Seek professional advice. Visit a chiropractor or physical therapist to ensure that your back and neck are properly aligned. They will have the appropriate skills and experience with your particular needs and will be able to address any concerns.
How is your posture? Do you have any other tips that help ensure good posture?
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
March 14, 2016 at 7:55 amI definitely tend to slouch. I need to keep it in mind to check my posture!
Paula Schuck says
March 14, 2016 at 8:23 amI am terrible about slouching. I try to be cognizant of how I’m sitting, but over time, I find myself in the classic slouch position again.
Paula Schuck recently posted…Seven Easy Ways to Save Money on Your Groceries
Carmen Perez says
March 14, 2016 at 10:44 amI always try to stand up straight, but I like to lie down sideways on my couch to watch TV at night and after a while, my neck starts to hurt!
Liz Mays says
March 14, 2016 at 2:44 pmThis is really helpful advice. I hate when I catch myself in a position with terrible posture. It’s so bad for me.
Amanda Love says
March 14, 2016 at 4:28 pmThose are really all great tips. I find myself slouching after being on my feet for quit some time. My back tends to hurt after a while but when I do stand straighter I do feel better.
Amanda Love recently posted…Fill somebunny’s basket with these Easter books!
Amber Nelson says
March 14, 2016 at 5:57 pmI have horrible posture and I am definitely paying the consequences for not sitting correctly!
Jennifer Williams says
March 14, 2016 at 11:39 pmI started using a Bouy seat years ago and was shocked at how much it improved my posture. It is similar to the concept behind the stability ball. I keep working on my husband because he has horrible posture when he sits. It definitely improves so many things, I found I was less tired at the end of the day.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
March 15, 2016 at 8:03 amI admit it, I am awful at this! Laziness I guess. What great tips!
Jeanine says
March 15, 2016 at 9:33 amMy posture isn’t the greatest. Especially when on the computer getting some work done. I’m never comfy. These are all so helpful!
Tess says
March 15, 2016 at 6:45 pmI’m a big sloucher. I need to watch my posture.
Toughcookiemommy says
March 15, 2016 at 7:54 pmMy posture is terrible and I get back pains because of it. I’m going to try to improve it by following your advice.
Marielle Altenor says
March 15, 2016 at 8:56 pmI feel this post was written for me. As I was reading this my back was bend in a really awkward position. I really have to stop doing that because my back is always hurting from doing that.
Marielle Altenor recently posted…Fun Books For The Little Ones
Lisa Rios says
March 15, 2016 at 9:47 pmI think good posture is very much important particularly if you are someone who spends so much time in computer & these are some simple yet effective tips to make sure all is well. I have been using an ergonomic chair for a while & it definitely helps a lot.
Rosey says
March 16, 2016 at 6:40 amThat’s smart to use an ergonomic chair. If it feels good to sit up straight, you’re more likely to do it.
CourtneyLynne says
March 16, 2016 at 9:37 amI think I have pretty good posture. I modeled when I was younger so I was always having to be cauciois of how I looked in photos and sitting at events and it just always stuck with me
preventivecheckups says
April 26, 2018 at 12:34 amThis is very helpful advise.Thanks for the useful information.
Alex says
July 24, 2018 at 6:01 amI think periodically checking our posture is something which can really help us get that desired posture because seeing our bad posture can be the best inspiration to get back to ideal posture.
Alex recently posted…The 5 Best George Foreman Grills Review + Buyer’s Guide
Chris Gergiou says
January 24, 2020 at 1:22 amTips are helping me out. Right posture can change your life. Thanks for sharing information on improving the posture.
Chris Gergiou says
June 16, 2020 at 1:33 amPosture correction is very important. I find these tips very helpful. Thanks for sharing such nice tips.