Correct Posture

Those who spend endless hours working on a computer would know the importance of having a correct posture. I am sure many people, who are reading this, must have at some point been told to stand erect and push the shoulders back, in their childhood days. This is one such advice that is forgotten with time. Having a correct posture may seem very insignificant to you but this is one such habit, like all good habits that needs to be cultivated and followed in every walk of our lives. Having a correct posture can give you many benefits and failing to do so, can invite loads of trouble as far as your health is concerned. Maintaining a correct posture is not a difficult task and you can definitely feel the change in you, once you follow this on a regular basis.

What are the benefits of having a correct posture?
Working professionals who spend a long number of hours working on the computer or those who need to stand for a long period of time at work, are often susceptible to back and neck problems. Therefore, having a correct posture can help to reduce any back or neck related health problems.

A correct posture also helps to keep you fit and fine! This reduces the fatigue you may feel when you are at work.

When you take infrequent breaks at work, you are bound to make yourself more vulnerable to back problems. Sitting in an incorrect position for long hours can be harmful for your spine as it gets fixed in that particular incorrect position. This leads to constricted blood vessels and joints. This can further trigger headaches, which will eventually cause you to pop the pill. Correct postures eliminate all such problems.

If you maintain a correct posture during the day, you can get rid of all the pains in your body, which keep recurring faithfully otherwise! A correct posture also means that you do not have additional pressure on other parts of your body.

What are the factors that can affect correct posture?
High heels are a complete no no for prolonged use. These are bound to affect your posture to a great extent.

Being obese can also affect your posture.

If you have poor sitting and standing habits, it is bound to affect your posture in the long run.

Unsuitable working conditions, such as badly designed chairs and being overloaded with work that restricts your body movement during the day in a race to finish the work, also affect your body posture.

How can one have a correct posture?
Rome was not built in a day and your body will also take time to adjust to these changes as well. You need to practice this on a daily basis to have correct posture effortlessly.

Correct posture while sitting
Always keep both your feet flat on the floor. Next step would be to align your body to the backrest of your chair. When you sit, ensure that your knees are on the same level as your hips. The arms should be at a 75 to a 90 degree angle at the elbows. Keep your shoulders straight at all times. Avoid slouching and leaning forward to read something on the computer, you have the zoom tool to bring the areas into focus. Always take mini breaks to get up and stretch yourself.

Correct posture while standing
Always keep your head straight. The earlobes should be in line with your shoulders. Keep your shoulders back and your knees straight. Remember not to slouch when you are standing; keep your back straight and tuck your tummy in.

Correct posture while sleeping
Use a pillow that should be of a medium thickness. Place this under your head and not below your shoulders. Sleep in a position that helps to maintain the curve of your back. Avoid hugging your knees when you sleep. Ensure you have a good quality mattress that is comfortable to lie on. When you wish to get up from this position, first you need to turn on your side. Draw up both the knees. Move your legs on the side of the bed and push yourself up with the help of your hands.

How does one identify bad posture?

• Slouching or leaning forward whilst sitting in front of the computer.
• Carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder for a long period can also trigger off an incorrect posture.
• If you are sitting in the ‘C’ position when seated at the desk, it can lead to an incorrect posture as well. A ‘C’ position simply means that you are leaning forward and this leads to a lot of pressure on the spine. This is what causes the stress in the body. Eventually, the person ends up being slumped against the computer or desk.
• Sliding forward in your chair is also a sign of bad posture.

Having a correct posture can give you many benefits as far as your health and personality is concerned. Correct posture also helps to boost one’s confidence levels and keep the person free from stress. So, have you checked out your posture while reading this article? Chances are, you must be having some signs that reflect bad posture. In that case, you can begin to follow these ways to have a correct posture from this moment itself. Try it now and feel the difference within you.