Good posture is essential to good health for so many reasons, not the least of which is just feeling better. By changing your slouchy, slumpy habits, you can:
- Reduce the fatigue and strain in your muscles, ligaments and joints
- Alleviate low back pain - the 2nd most common reason people visit the doctor
- Breathe better and increase the oxygen flow to your brain, which helps you concentrate and maybe even makes you more creative
- Enjoy a stronger sense of confidence
- Reduce wear and tear on your spine and all its discs
- Improve digestion by keeping your ribcage upright and your diaphragm relaxed
- Improve circulation from your limbs to your heart
So how do you improve your posture? Maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise is important, as is paying attention to how you sit, stand and carry yourself during the day and at night.
Sitting for good posture
You want to have the lower and the middle portions of your back against the back of your chair, distributing your weight evenly. Your knees should be bent at 90° with your feet flat on the floor. Avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a time. Get up every half-hour and move around - do some stretches, get a drink of water and practice a little deep breathing.
