What is Good Posture?

What Is Good Posture?

Good posture is an important part of staying healthy, both physically and mentally. It affects how we move our bodies, how we look, how we feel, and even how well our organs work. Poor posture can lead to a multitude of health issues as well as cause us discomfort and pain. Knowing what constitutes good posture and learning how to practice it every day can help improve your overall health and quality of life.

Good posture is when your ears are aligned with your shoulders. Your shoulders should be relaxed and back. This helps to align your spine, too. Your spine has three distinct curves: one at your neck, one in the middle of your back, and one in your lower back. Proper posture aids to maintain these natural curves.

Here are some Tips for Better Posture

Do not Slouch 

Poor posture stresses your spine, placing inconvenience on your bones and muscles. That additional pressure can weaken the bones in your spine, muscles at the waist, and joints within the pelvis area. Unnatural bends over time reduce the ability of your lungs and intestines to perform adequate respiratory and digestive functions, respectively.

Straighten Up

An excellent way to decrease back discomfort? Stand up tall. You'll feel better and look better -- slimmer, even. Pretend you’re standing against a wall to measure your height. Hold your head straight and tuck in your chin. Your ears should be over the middle of your shoulders.  Stand with your shoulders back, knees straight, and belly tucked in. Don't let your booty or hips stick out. Straighten up so you feel like your head stretches toward the sky.

Don't Slump at Your Desk

It's comfortable to slouch -- maybe even lean back, pivot on your seat, and slouch. Try to sit in the chair this way instead: Place a small, rolled-up towel, or lumbar pillow, behind your mid-back. Bend your knees at a right angle and keep their height, or a bit higher than your hips. Place your feet flat on the floor.

Don't Be a Low-Rider

Sitting upright is far better than reclining for a long drive. Try not to lock your legs. Bend your knees slightly. They should be at hip level or a bit higher. Don't forget to put a pillow or rolled-up towel behind you for support.

Save Heels for a Party 

They're probably a fashion choice, but they'll most likely be a posture no. Pumps and stilettos push the base of your spine forward, thus over-arche your back. That can change the way you posture your backbone, which puts pressure on nerves and triggers back pain. High heels also come with a heavier load on your knees. Choose a lower, chunkier heel for day-to-day wear.

What are the Benefits of Good Posture?

Good posture is an important component of overall health and well-being. It can have a remarkable effect on how people feel, look, and even think. From strengthening the core muscles to improving self-confidence and mental alertness, having a good posture offers many potential benefits. 

Better mood and energy. One of the many benefits of good posture is the way that you relate to yourself. Improving your posture may help you feel more awake and powerful throughout the day. This can also help your mood.

Healthy bones, joints, and muscles. Your muscles, bones, and other parts of your body help you achieve proper posture. Better posture puts less strain on your joints, which can translate into better overall health. You can also help prevent injuries by avoiding abnormal posture.

Better breathing and less headaches.  When you sit around or otherwise stand up straight with your shoulders back, you'll find that it will feel much easier to breathe. Additional space will open up to your chest for deeper breaths. Bad posture, such as when you slouch, can result in tension and pain in the shoulders and neck. Headaches in the front of your head or in the back of your head can result.

Having a good posture is essential for a healthy body and mind. Slouching, or having poor posture can lead to health issues such as back pain, fatigue, and even depression. In order to avoid these potential problems, it is important to learn how to maintain a better posture.