Since the pandemic began, workplaces migrated into home-office setups. And while the hassle of commuting to work was eliminated in the meantime, there are still the same old work problems that people encounter even in the comfort of their homes. Particularly: bad postures.
Your posture balances the core of your body’s weight over your feet. It plays a significant part in keeping your motor skills agile to suit your daily life. Sure, it’s easy to slouch your way throughout the day. However, this is not a good practice, and your spine will not thank you in the long run as you run out of ways to manage the chronic pain in your back.
As you grow older, you’ll realize the reason why elderlies always want you to stand straight. Because posture affects almost every bodily movement that you need to function. Would you believe that it also impacts your digestion and emotional wellness?
It’s understated how proper posture helps you take care of your body, so here are a few reminders about why you should be mindful about your posture (and urge you to straighten your back!).
- Practicing good posture strengthens your backbone.
The spine is what holds the upper and lower body together. Being aware of the perfect posture while sitting or standing improves the support that the backbone can bring as you age. Practicing this as early as now promotes healthy blood flow for your nerves, overall enhancing the support that the spine holds for your muscles and ligaments.
- Proper posture improves your body balance.
Constant slouching decreases your body’s equilibrium. It can overexert your muscles and put unequal pressures on different parts of your spine and abdominal core linking the top and bottom parts of your body. This often results in poor muscle reflexes and noticeable imbalances—which can be dangerous as it can make you more prone to falls. Proper posture strengthens your core muscles and ensures that your lower and upper body is well-coordinated to prevent you from tripping and falling off-balanced.
- Good posture equates to a healthier digestive system.
Have a bad case of acid reflux? Don’t worry. Add standing upright to your habits and watch your digestive processes become better. Since slouching can affect abdominal organs, it can interfere with the entire digestion—causing more episodes of constipation and other gastro esophageal reflux diseases (GERD) symptoms. Standing straight can ease these abdominal concerns and increase your metabolism for, not just a healthier figure, but stomach too.
- Correct posture reduces those much-dreaded back pains.
Back and neck pains have been a common adult problem—and it has become more prominent in the current remote work setup because of the pandemic. Bad posture is one of the main reasons behind back and neck pains. The uneven pressure placed on your muscles and tendons can exhaust your bodily supports and lead to fatigue and pain.
However, incorporating the right posture while working, doing household activities, or simply moving helps decrease these pains. By properly positioning your spine as you sit or stand, you put on the right weight on your lower support system without overly straining it.
- Proper posture boosts your overall health and wellness.
Posture affects people in more ways than one. Mainly, it is a health concern for many—especially those suffering from severe and chronic back pains and scoliosis. However, aside from the external, posture can also affect one’s well-being and mood.
Most of the time, posture reflects your inner emotions. What goes on in your brain and how you are feeling can transcend your body positioning. Notice how you slouch when you feel stressed or down, and upright when you’re confident and happy. Sometimes, this can happen involuntarily.
But if you ever find yourself slumping those shoulders, try your best to stretch a little, take a short walk, and breathe. Straighten your back and you might notice an improvement in your emotions after.
Ways to Improve your Posture
– Exercise. Lifestyle affects one’s posture. However, not everyone has the luxury of time to stay active. But there are many ways where you can incorporate little habits to maintain a good posture like avoiding sitting for too long. You can also take little walks around the house while doing chores to exercise your muscles and tendons. Practicing body awareness exercises like yoga can also help in building a well-coordinated body.
– Comfort over style. Choose footwear that can provide a good foundation for your body. Shoes that are properly fitted and have ample support to keep your core balanced will reduce risks of tripping, leg cramps, or even back pains. Stray from high-heeled stilettos (unless necessary!) as this can overexert your muscles, eventually harming your posture.
– Keep a healthy weight. You don’t have to be strictly thin to have proper posture. Just remember to stay within the range of your body mass index since excess weight can make it more difficult to move and maintain your balance. More than hurting your posture, it can also affect your inner health.
Practicing proper posture will reap a lot of benefits. It makes you look more healthy and confident, offering betterment in career and personal growth. It’s a timeless habit that will serve you even as you age.
Your posture says a lot about your self-perception. So, sit upright, stand tall, and carry yourself with ease—for with great posture comes great opportunities.