How is your posture? Do you stand straight and tall, in a manner that would make your mother proud? Do you tend to hunch or slump forward, especially at the end of a long day? If your posture is less-than-perfect, it is important to know that over time, poor posture can negatively impact your health.
The good news is that it is relatively easy to improve your posture, and doing so can contribute to better health, boost energy levels, and even make you look trimmer. Here’s a closer look at poor posture, good posture, and how both can affect your future.
When your posture is poor, it can put stress on muscles and ligaments which may become tight or stretch past a comfortable degree. You may experience pain in your shoulders, back, neck or jaw as a result. Over time, poor posture can inhibit your lung function, decrease your flexibility, and affect your balance, which could put you at higher risk for falling. Poor posture can also affect your digestion and how easily your joints move.
In addition to the physical impact it can have on your body, poor posture can make you appear tired, disinterested, or depressed. These moods can impact how people respond to you at work, at home, and in other social situations.
How can you improve your posture and maintain it as you get older? First, be mindful of how you’re sitting and standing — good posture means that you support the three natural curves of the spine at the lower back, mid-back, and neck. Your head should be centered over your shoulders (not jutting forward or back), and your shoulders should be over your hips. Take a few seconds every hour or two to “check-in” with your body, pull the shoulders back and make sure you’re not slumping.
In addition to being mindful about your posture, the following can help you maintain proper position:
It’s never too late to train your body to embrace better posture. If you can get in the habit of standing and sitting properly, you may feel more alert and focused. You may even look like you’ve lost a few pounds. With that kind of payoff, you’ll want to take the time to stand up straight.
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