When we stand upright or sit upright, it's only natural that we start to feel more confident about the way we project ourselves to the world. True Health Center for Functional Medicine shares some tips on how to focus on improving your posture if you want to feel better from the outside in.
A good posture should feel comfortable when you are standing in an upright, relaxed position. The ideal posture would be when the natural curvature of your back is in its optimal position. Simply put, your spine should be upright, with your shoulders relaxed and back, chest forward, and chin parallel to the floor, taking note of how your weight is evenly distributed on each heel. Standing in a more upright stance can even make you appear taller than you are.
Interestingly, there are many benefits to having a good posture, apart from feeling more self-assured.
When you're standing in a position that your body is designed to be in, your body will naturally be stronger and more able to tackle certain tasks than it would be if you were placing unnecessary stress on your joints and muscles by standing incorrectly.
Standing in an upright position allows you to expand your chest, enabling your lungs to breathe in more air - which means you can breathe more easily as a result.
When our neck muscles aren't taught, Medical News Today notes that we are less likely to experience headaches. Sitting upright at our desks will ensure that our neck and shoulder muscles don't become strained, which means fewer headaches if you are prone to experiencing them often due to incorrect posture.
Speaking of experiencing chronic headaches and just feeling ill and lethargic for no reason, stress can also contribute to this. Watching your posture and reducing your stress levels can help minimize the symptoms of chronic conditions such as migraines, depression, weight gain, and more. Another remedy to this is designing an office that will promote your well-being by de-cluttering your workspace, having proper lighting to reduce the strain on your eyes, and of course, having the right furniture to support your posture.
If you have gotten into the bad habit of having a slouched, slumped-over posture, the good news is that you can change this by making simple adjustments here and there.
Healthline points out that paying attention to how you sleep at night is just as important as being aware of how you stand during the day. Of course, you can't monitor your posture all night long. What you can do is ensure you have a firm mattress and pillow to sleep on that will ensure that the curvature of your back and neck is in its natural position while you sleep.
When it comes time to select the best king size mattress, choose one that is just firm enough and contours to your body. A high-quality mattress should relieve pressure points, and provide cushioning and support. If you suffer from back pain, it’s a good idea to set up a bed with adjustable bases that can provide ergonomic support.
Because most of us use technology frequently, using our mobile phones to work, check emails and chat with family and friends, it's important not to get into the habit of tilting your neck at an angle as this can put a strain on the muscles in your neck and your spine which, of course, isn't good for your posture over time.
As you can tell, good posture is something that can't be taken for granted - not if you want to improve your body, your mind, and even your life, when you realize the importance of the right posture for holistic wellness.
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True Health Center for Functional Medicine delivers this optimal care approach through improved services and innovative technologies that emphasize disease prevention and wellness. Connect with us today to learn more! 916-983-5771
