What Role Does Posture Play In Overall Wellness?

Posture

Having good posture creates health benefits that many people may not be aware of. At its core, the goal of good posture is to maintain a neutral spine but to do that, you have to know how to engage the rest of your body. It might seem insignificant, but good posture plays a big role in your body’s wellness.

Posture Check-In

Most people don’t give much thought to their posture. Stress, carrying heavy or uneven weight in a bag, excessive screen-time, and a sedentary lifestyle lead to problems with slouching and poor distribution of weight. These changes are gradual, so most people are unaware of them. Even if you think your posture is pretty good, it might surprise you to find areas where there is room for improvement. You can do a self-check to see how you match up to the correct posture.

  • From sitting: Your feet should be flat on the ground and your weight evenly distributed between both hips. The navel should be pulled back, while your shoulders are relaxed and rolled down, away from your ears. Your chin should be tucked in, with the crown of your head tilted toward the ceiling.
  • From standing: Your toes should point straight forward, with an even distribution of weight. There should be a slight bend in your knees, as well. The top half of your body should mimic the sitting position.

If this feels uncomfortable, then you probably have some work to do. But that’s ok. With commitment, posture problems are easy to correct. You will also gain a lot of benefits from something that takes little effort. So, what can improvements in posture do for you?

Reduces Lower Back Pain

Good posture keeps your spine in alignment. This prevents unnecessary pressure from gradually building up in your lower back. With a strong, supported spine, you will notice less back pain as your ligaments and muscles experience becoming stronger with less stress put on them.

Improves Your Breathing

Slouching restricts the space inside your rib cage, reducing your lung capacity. By making posture a habit, you open up your chest, allowing your lungs to expand. With improved breathing, you take in more oxygen, which keeps your blood healthy. Deep breathing also helps reduce anxiety, so you will enjoy an overall improved state of mind, too.

Supports Bones And Muscles

When you performed the self-test, you may have noticed your muscles were engaged differently than what you are used to. When you practice good posture, you build up stronger muscles, which support your bones.

Improved Blood Circulation

By expanding your body through posture, you are allowing your blood to flow the way it is intended to. Oxygen-rich blood keeps your organs healthy and operating at their optimal capacity.

Better Digestion And Elimination

When you make slouching a habit, you compress your digestive system, making it less effective. With better digestion comes a decrease in problems such as acid reflux and indigestion, as the entire process runs more smoothly. It also helps to address issues with elimination, as it decreases non-dietary-related constipation.

Presents A Better Physique

Maintaining good posture simply makes a person look and feel more confident. By bringing everything back into alignment, you are presenting your body the way it is meant to look.

How Can You Improve Your Posture?

Improved posture is easy with commitment. It’s mostly about being mindful of how you are carrying yourself and making a few small changes.

  • Throughout your day, do posture check-ins. This is especially important when you are sitting at a computer, watching TV, or scrolling through your phone. Is your weight evenly distributed? Is your spine curved or straight? How are your shoulders? Correct any posture problems you notice and eventually they become second nature.
  • Add posture correcting exercises to your week. Yoga, walking, and running engage your muscles and build them up to help support your legs, hips, and spine. Just make sure you are mindful of your posture during these activities, as well.
  • Get regular massages. The therapists at The Muvement Pros provide instant relief and relaxation for soft tissue concerns that can ruin your posture. They offer PNF stretching and compression band therapy techniques to increase mobility and flexibility. By addressing any issues holding you back, you can continue to improve your posture.

As your posture improves, you will also notice your energy level improve. So, if getting active feels difficult right now, start with what is manageable. You will slowly reap the benefits and find yourself able to make a deeper commitment.

Read Also: Tricks for Maintaining Perfect Posture

What Role Does Posture Play In Overall Wellness?

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