5 ways to improve your posture
The way your body is positioned when you're sitting, standing, or lying down defines your posture. Correct posture puts the least strain on your body, whereas poor posture can cause backache, muscle tension, and joint pain. Not only does bad posture affect your health but also reflects poorly on your personality. Slouching indicates a lack of interest in conversations and a lack of confidence.
Prevent yourself from slouching
Bring your keyboard at elbow height, so your wrists remain straight while typing. The monitor should be at eye level, neither too high nor too low, otherwise, it will affect your neck. Sit straight with your shoulders relaxed. Adjust your chair height so that your feet are firmly planted on the floor. Do not cross your legs. Do light exercises to stretch your spine.
Text Neck
Text neck is the posture formed by bending the neck forward for a long time, while we use our mobile devices. This posture often leads to cervical and shoulder pain. Try to keep your mobile at eye level so you don't bend your head forward. Try to not be in a static position for long. A heavy device shouldn't be held for long either.
Ditch the heels
Although high heels look pretty we all know how painful they can be. Doctors and chiropractors always suggest wearing flat footwear or the ones with slight elevation, as they help maintain your balance and posture. High heels make you walk in an unnatural way, and prolonged use can also affect your knees and back. If you must wear heels, choose lower block heels.
Do not let your tummy grow out of proportion
Work out focusing more on your abdomen. A potbelly or protruded tummy starts to put more stress on your back. You need strong muscles to support your spine. A potbelly changes the curvature of your back, which is supposed to be "S" shaped. Added weight around the belly area pulls forward the backbone, putting pressure on discs. This causes more intense lower backache.
Sleep right
Opt for firm mattresses instead of soft ones. Those who sleep on their back should use a thin pillow to not strain the neck. Side sleepers should slightly bend their knees but not hug them while sleeping. If you sleep on your stomach, use a flat pillow or no pillow. Placing a flat pillow under the pelvis area helps to maintain better spine alignment.
