How to Have Better Posture

6 Easy Tips to Improve Your Stance
Filed Under > Everyday

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It’s funny how you start to feel little shifts in your body during your late twenties.  Small aches and pains.   Subtle changes in things you took for granted for years.  I know I, for one, have started to feel faint back pain, I can no longer sit on the ground for long periods of time, and I’m pretty sure I have a case of “tech neck.”  See, I’m at a computer all day, I’m guilty of slouching in chairs, and I can constantly be found checking my phone while I’m walking.  I’m guilty of all of the bad habits.

Lately, I’ve realized how much this is affecting my posture in everyday life.  Thanks to seeing myself in a few photographs recently, I’ve finally admitted to myself that my posture needs to drastically improve.  Standing tall goes hand-in-hand with high self esteem in my book, and I want to be the one carrying myself well for years to come.  Check out a few tips I’ve picked up in my recent research to help my back, give myself a little self-esteem boost, and ultimately have better posture once and for all.  Cheers, Kat

 

Limit Wearing High Heels

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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. 

Don't Cross Your Legs at Your Desk

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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.

Work on Strengthening Your Back

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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. 

 

Don't Keep Your Hands in your Pockets When Standing

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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. 

Set Up a Proper Work Station at Your Desk

Easy Posture Lumbar Back Support Mesh

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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. 

Stand with Your Feet Shoulder Width Apart, with Shoulders Back

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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. 

 

Swap Out Your Mattress

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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. 

ADDITIONAL CREDITS:

Featured image, Kathryn McCrary for Waiting on Martha

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  • Love the tan/black bag in the photo – do you know what brand that is?

  • Mandy Kellogg Rye / 01.14.2017

    Hi Tara, it’s Celine. xo

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