5 Ways to Improve Your Posture Now
According to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S), Sitting is one of the worst occupational hazards known today. It can severely damage an individual’s posture, specifically the lower back and neck, due to the prolonged time spent on abnormal positions.
What is Posture?
Posture is defined as the attitude assumed by the body in an upright position whether it is in stationary or in motion.
How important it is to have a Good Posture?
Individuals as they grow older become more health conscious that is why overlooking good posture will surely affect the overall health and total efficiency of the body. Listed below are some reasons why it is important to maintain proper posture
- Boosts self-confidence and positive mental attitude
- Improves blood circulation and digestion
- Helps keep the bones and joints in correct alignment
- Keeps the structure in the back and spine healthy
- Makes you look slimmer and younger
Uncorrected postures can cause an individual to easily feel mental exhaustion, stress and fatigue, headache, digestive distress, poor breathing and body pain (commonly experienced at the lower back, neck, and shoulder).
Ways To Improve Your Posture
| Activity | Poor Posture | Good Posture |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting | Curve in the lower back not maintained
Slouched |
Sitting with the pelvis anterior
Curve in lower back is maintained Tip: Sitting with a lumbar support can help maintain the curve |
| Standing | Sway back
Hollow back Slouching Slumping |
Chin in
Shoulders blades back and aligned Legs straight but knees relaxed Pull abdomen |
| Walking | Over-Pronated Feet
Exaggerated Forward Hip Tilt Hunchback Rounded Shoulders |
Chin is parallel to the ground.
When walking, heel first then toe. Stomach and buttocks are in line with the rest of the body. |
| Running | Rounded shoulders
Bend at the waist Knees are lifted too high. |
Head up and looking forward
Arms loose and at 90 angle Slightly lean forward |
| Driving | Leaning forward
Knees higher than the hips |
Proper distance of the seat from the steering wheel and the pedals
Headrest should support the middle of the head to keep it upright |