Too much sitting, muscle imbalances and prolonged phone use have all contributed to a society plagued by poor posture. Posture impacts your health and wellbeing, as well as your physical appearance.
Benefits of Good Posture
Posture is important for several reasons, the first being that poor posture has a real impact on your physical appearance - rounded shoulders, forward head posture (aka nerd neck), slouching etc… It isn’t pretty. Good posture also helps to reduce neck and back pain, improve your core strength, reduce injuries, as well as increase lung capacity.
The good news is that it is never too late! Here are some simple things you can do to improve posture:
Mindfulness
Being mindful of your posture is the first place to start. When you are sitting in front of your computer or looking at your phone, be aware of your body position. You should sit tall through your spine and your core should be lightly engaged.
Strength and Mobility
For some people, years of bad posture have impacted the mobility and strength in their shoulders, neck and back. Dedicating 10 minutes of postural strength and mobility exercises each day will make a big difference. By working with a rehabilitation specialist such as a Physiotherapist, Chiropractor or Athletic Therapist, they can prescribe exercises and use treatment techniques to improve mobility. Regular massages with an RMT is also very beneficial as it will help your muscles relax and reduce any pain or tension associated with poor posture.
Stay Active
An active lifestyle has numerous benefits and when it comes to posture, exercise helps maintain a strong body, which can combat some of the negative effects of poor posture.
Healthy Work Environment
Make sure your work space is set up properly to support healthy posture. Start by making sure your chair and desk are the right height. Your knees should be at 90 degrees with your feet flat on the ground. Your screen should be at eye level and your elbows should also be at 90 degrees and resting at your sides. Try to take regular movement breaks so that you are not stuck in one position for too long.
If you need help with your posture, click here to book an appointment at COAST!
