Posture Matters

Remember when you were told to sit up straight?  Your grade school teacher’s voice might be ringing in your ears right now.  Rest assured that they certainly weren’t trying to annoy you.

Posture matters.

The brainstem features a mesh-like network of nerves—the Reticular Formation—responsible for keeping you alert, wakeful, and conscious.

Sitting upright provides the internal feedback that triggers these nerves.

Poor Posture Impacts Overall Health

Poor posture negatively affects your health in terms of breathing, digestion, neck and shoulder pain, joint movement, flexibility, and more.

That’s why you’ve been implored to sit up straight, which

• Reduces the amount of force the muscles and joints have to absorb
• Relieves the pressure on your lower back
• Decreases the risk of aches and pains throughout your body
• Expands your diaphragm to help you breathe better

Where to Begin?

When you’re standing or sitting, make sure your head is centered between your shoulders, and your shoulders are in line with your hips.

Avoid putting your body in awkward positions, such as cradling a phone between your head and shoulders or looking down at digital screens.

Pro Tips

Work at eye level

When working at a desk, plant your feet flat on the ground and keep your work at eye level.

Make sure your feet are flat on the ground with your ankles in front of your knees.  This will reduce the strain of looking down at your computer.

Breaks

Take frequent breaks to stretch or walk.  Breaks help you recover from stress and increase your performance.

Stretching also relieves muscle tension.  Exercises such as yoga and Tai chi improve your posture by teaching you the skill of body awareness.

Gratitude

Thank yourself for taking care of you.

Research on gratitude shows that little reminders make you happier and, in turn, more attentive.

Mindset affects posture as well.

Mindfulness

Be mindful of your posture throughout the day.  Pay attention to your seated posture when watching television and sitting at your desk.  Identify your sitting position and, if needed, improve it.

Mindfulness goes a long way by teaching you patience and perseverance.  Fortunately, a little goes a long way.