How to Have Better Posture

Studies have shown us that wearing high heels takes its toll on your spine, hips, knees, ankles and feet, while altering your posture and gait. It places excess pressure on your knees, and takes your hips and spine out of alignment.  Though we’ll never give them up for good, we’re trying to limit our wears for the sake of our posture. 

Sitting with your legs crossed while you’re working causes your pelvis to roll forward.  This will cause pressure on your lower back because your spine will be “unstacked.”  Instead, sit with your feet flat on the ground if possible. 

It’s a hard habit to break, but staying cognizant of it will help you slowly change for the better.

Stretching and exercises that help lengthen the muscles in your chest, forearms and biceps will help improve your overall posture.  One of my favorites?  A deep crescent lunge with hands energetically reaching for the sky. You can also work on having a stronger back with rowing or pulling motions; the shoulder blades will pull down and allow for you to have an easier time standing up straight later. 

I’m guilty of doing this when I’m idle; shoving my hands in my pockets while waiting for something.  But this small gesture actually does more bad than good.  It leads to slouching shoulders, which will cause them to round and set your spine out of whack.  Instead, try to keep your hands by the side of the body when you’re standing still. 

If you’re at a computer all day, your computer monitor should be at eye level. Looking downward at for long periods of time creates excess strain on your neck.  Furthermore, any cushion or prop you can use for your lower back is helpful.  This back support does just the trick. 

Think you already do this?  To test yourself, try standing against a wall. Everything except the head should touch the wall, everything lined up with the spinal cord.  Your pelvis shouldn’t tilt forward, and everything should be stacked with your spine. 

You’ll be wise to look for a firm mattress, rather than a soft, pillowy one.  It provides better support to the body while sleeping, helping the body remain in a perfectly aligned position as you sleep.