Tips to Maintain Good Posture
Don't Slump at Your Desk
I get it. If you work at a desk sometimes slumping down in your chair feels amazing on your back. I sometimes even lean back for a couple seconds and twist my chair. But if we find ourselves slumping down a lot of the time, were not doing ourselves any good.
Try this instead: Sit all the way back in your chair. You can place a small lumbar cushion behind your mid-back to protect your spine's natural curve. If you don't have a lumbar cushion, you can also purchase a posture support cushion which can be used in any chair, car seat or wheelchair. Also try bending your knees at a right angle and keep them at the same height. Then place your feet flat on the floor.
Don't Be a Slouch
The bottom line is that slouching causes stress on your spine. As a result, this puts a strain on the bones, muscles, and joints. Lousy posture isn't just bad for your back. When you constantly slouch, you ultimately smash your inside organs together, and makes it harder for your lungs and intestines to work. Over time, that'll make it hard to digest food or get enough air when you breathe.
Try this instead: Make it a habit to sit up straight as soon as you sit down no matter where you are. Whether you're sitting down for lunch or even in the movie theater, turn sitting up straight into a daily routine.
Don't Lean Back When You Drive
Sometimes it's hard to sit up straight when you drive, especially since the seats in cars are molded in a way that makes it difficult. But it is important that you try to sit up as straight as possible.
Try this instead: Position your drivers seat so that your knees are higher than your hips. If you have a lumbar support in your car, adjust it so that it sits at the curve of your back. If you find yourself stuck in traffic, you can even do a little stretch. Rotate your torso to one side for five seconds keeping your back straight and then rotate to the other side.
Check for Problems
We all know whether we are a slouch or not. It's not a surprise. And if you really aren't sure, here's a quick way to tell. Stand up against a wall and place the back of your head against it. Move your feet 6 inches out from the baseboard. Your lower back and your neck should be about 2 inches from it. If not, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your posture.
Taking A Seat
Usually we think of it when we are walking, but sitting is the number one we wreck havoc on our posture.
There are different types of chairs out there designed to help you sit comfortably and ease pain, but the problem is they are incredibly expensive. But what if all you need is the right cushion?
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