Growing up I always remember my mother saying “Stand up straight!” or “Sit up!” I certainly always tried to be conscious of this – especially since I only reached a maximum of only 5’ 4”. My sister who hit an early growth spurt was a little more defiant. She hunched, slouched and bent over to be the height of her friends in photos and to meet classmates eye-to-eye. Now that wisdom has set in, I understand my posture will energize, add grace, and ease my aging process.
Posture portrays a lot.
Postures often are circumstantial. Playing with kids versus meeting a new business partner secures a difference. Centering yourself during meditation is genuine posturing. Physical body appearance may portray confidence, a state of relaxation and a certain amount of poise.
Posture is a habit.
Standing brings postural rebellion. Here are 12 posture tips I share with my clients:
- Practice habitual ‘check-ins’ to spinal alignment. Posture prevents back pain, arthritis and stress on muscles or joints.
- Refresh posture to maintain that “S-curve” allows the body to maintain optimal function.
- Upright posture will free the diaphragm to effectively fill the lungs.
- Open posture energizes focus and movement throughout a day.
- Fewer postural problems occur when seated in a supportive chair. Nix the forbidden of sitting at a desk for extended hours.
- Every 20-30 minutes change position – stand, walk…frequently adjust weight distribution,
- Sit to use the backrest in a chair with feet flat on the floor.
- Adjust chairs for knees and hips to be at ninety-degrees flexion. This helps evenly distribute body mass among your joints.
- Many chairs offer the lumbar support feature. Adjust it to fit your needs! Have the retail clerk assist with this. This is one adjustment quickly forgotten in the car.
- Readjust chairs after others use. Sharing cars? Before hands touch the wheel make these changes.
- Even automobile passenger seat adjustment has value for equal consideration.
- Everyone is uniquely different. Know your unique body postures. Become comfortable in your body by listening to what it tells you.
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