A bad posture can stick with you for years without you even consciously realizing you have one, and cause chronic aches, pains, headaches or even trouble walking. It even affects your mood and the way people perceive you. Standing, sitting, lying down in a poor posture can put stress on your muscles and joints and affect your overall well-being too. Slouching, putting pressure on one side of the neck, and standing with pressure on one leg are some of the examples of poor posture.
Rounded shoulders, headache, potbelly and back pain are often the result of poor posture. Sedentary lifestyle is increasingly making such issues worse. Wrong postures not only cause spinal dysfunctions, pains and other physical problems but also affect your personality. It has been seen that those who slouch are taken less seriously by others. Wrong postures though can be fixed by adding stretching exercises, muscle building and being mindful of how lazy or active life you lead.
Here are 5 simple ways to fix your posture:
Comfortable mattress
Your mattress could be one of the reasons for your bad posture. Sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress can increase back pain and leave you feeling tired and restless. Consider buying a comfortable mattress to improve your posture and get better rest.
Take breaksIt's essential to take breaks while working or attending long lectures. Stretching exercises or going for a walk can help loosen your body and maintain good posture. If you sit in one position all day, your body will adapt to it and become stiff.
Exercise
Regular exercise is necessary to maintain good posture. Exercise keeps your body flexible and supports proper posture. You can swim, play a sport, try cycling, go for a run, or practice yoga.
Reminders
Setting reminders can help you take a break from work or screen time for stretching. You could write "sit straight" on a sticky note and place it on your office desk as a visual reminder.
Adjust your position Working in poor posture or staring at a computer from the wrong angle for extended periods can ruin your health. Adjust your screen, use a laptop stand, or invest in a comfortable chair to maintain proper alignment.
Tips for sitting at your desk correctly
- Sit straight and do not lean forward
- Place your elbows by your side and forearms parallel or sloping down.
- Place your laptop or screen at the eye level, so that you don't need to look up or down.
- Your knees should be in alignment with your hips.
(Images courtesy: iStock)
