Health

Top Tips to Help You Fix Your Posture

Your posture is more than just standing straight, it is a vital component of your life. Not only can it boost your confidence when you are not slouched over, but good posture can also help you sleep better, avoid health issues, reduce pain, and make you look better in your clothes. 

Your posture is vital to your long-term health, so it is important to understand what it is, why it is important and how you can improve or fix yours. 

What is posture?

Your posture is the way that you hold your body when you are still and when you are moving. This is commonly referred to as your static posture and your dynamic posture. Good health is dependent on having a good static and dynamic posture. The foundation of your posture is your spine. Spines have 3 natural curves, but the shape will be unique to each individual. The correct posture will have you maintaining your spine’s natural curves, not emphasizing the curves or neutralizing them. 

It is important when holding yourself, that your shoulders are over your hips, and your head is above your shoulders. 

How does your posture impact your health? 

Your posture can impact your health in a plethora of ways. If you find that you are slumping or slouching a lot, your chin is down to your chest or you are not sitting upright for prolonged periods, you may find you run into a variety of problems, such as:

  • Back and neck pain 
  • Musculoskeletal problems such as misalignment 
  • Fragile spine 
  • Increased risk of injury
  • Decreased flexibility 
  • Weaken your joints 
  • Change your breathing 
  • Impact your digestion 

And much more. 

How can you improve your posture?

Seek medical attention

If you have bad posture and/or are experiencing a variety of problems and pains, it is first important that you book an appointment with your doctor to seek medical attention. They can check you over to make sure there is nothing seriously wrong with you and provide you with tailored advice, and a referral to a specialist if they feel it is necessary. 

Be aware of your posture 

Start to become aware of your posture and how you are holding yourself when you are standing and sitting. If you find that you are slouching or slumping, then keep correcting yourself until you create a new habit. It might be a little uncomfortable at first, but as your body becomes used to it, it will feel normal. 

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to improve your posture as it stretches your muscles around your back, and strengthens your core, which will support your back and spine. Exercises such as yoga and Tai chi have a bigger focus on body awareness and are great for improving posture. 

Wear the right shoes

Not many people realize, but your footwear can have a huge impact on your health as well as your posture. Your feet are complex components of your body that hold and balance your weight every day. If you are wearing the wrong kind of shoes, you can impact the alignment of your spine and hinder your posture. You should get your feet and alignment checked, and source custom foot orthotics to help you. 

Your posture is an important part of your health. Make sure you follow these top tips to improve your posture.

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