Tips To Improve Your Posture
Many tips to improve your posture tend to focus only on what to do when sitting, but there are many things you can do to help your posture while you are standing and lying down as well. Good posture is important for helping the muscles work more efficiently, preventing stress and strain on the ligaments and much more. It’s easy to develop bad posture habits, but the sooner you start recognizing them, the sooner they can be corrected.
Standing
When you’re standing in one place, remember to keep your feet shoulder width apart. Try to put weight on the balls of your feet instead of all on your heels. It’s also helpful, of course, to wear good shoes with proper support. Additionally, you can help prevent slouching by keeping your shoulders pulled back and your stomach pulled in. If you are texting on your cell phone, avoid holding the phone so low that your head and neck are slouching downward for long periods of time.
Lying Down
Not everyone is aware that sleeping positions can affect posture. The first step to good sleep posture is to have a comfortable, good quality mattress. A mattress that has significant sagging can cause your spine to curve in an unnatural angle. Another important tip is to avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this forces your neck to the side for hours at a time. If you’re a side sleeper, it is a good idea to sleep with a pillow between your legs, while if you sleep on your back, it is a good idea to place a pillow underneath your knees for better spinal alignment.
Regular chiropractic adjustments are not only beneficial to those experiencing pain from their poor posture, but also as a preventative measure for those who are not currently noticing any problems. If you would like to learn more about how you can improve your posture, Peak Form Health Center would be happy to help!