Jacqueline Seymour
Health Coach
Reviewed By
Dr. Frank Lipman
Chief Medical Officer at THE WELL
Published: 03/07/2024
Did you know that the way you sit, stand, or even lay down can affect your overall health? Maintaining good posture is one of the keys to a healthy and happy body. So, let’s dive into the importance of good posture and some ways to improve it.
Importance of Good Posture
Less Pain, More Gain (And Long-Term Mobility!)
Good posture distributes your body weight evenly, reducing the pressure on your joints and muscles. This can help ease any discomfort in your neck, shoulders, back, or hips. This, in turn, can help prevent the development of musculoskeletal problems, such as osteoarthritis, which can limit our mobility as we age.
Support Lung Health
By standing tall with your chest open, you’ll give your lungs more room to expand, making it easier to take deep breaths. Good posture can improve your lung function and oxygen intake, leaving you feeling refreshed and energized.
Stay Energized
Good posture promotes better blood flow and oxygen supply to your muscles, reducing fatigue and increasing your energy levels.
Support a Happy Belly
Good posture supports your organs, helping your digestive system work smoothly. Say goodbye to any tummy troubles and hello to happy digestion!
Confidence Boost
Did you know that good posture may improve your self-confidence and mood, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety? Improve your posture to notice these benefits!
Ways to Improve Posture
Use Your Core
A strong core can support your spine and maintain good posture. Get those abs working with exercises like planks, sit-ups, and leg lifts.
Stretch-Out
Stretching helps improve your flexibility and reduce muscle tension, which can contribute to poor posture. Loosen up with some neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and spinal twists. Try this posture stretch-set for posture recovery.
Sit Up Straight
When sitting, keep your feet flat on the ground, your back straight, and your shoulders relaxed. No slouching or crossing your legs, please! Set an hourly alarm or reminder on your phone to make sure that you are positioned in a posture-supportive way.
Stand Tall
When standing, keep your feet shoulder-width apart, your shoulders relaxed, and your chin parallel to the ground. Distribute your weight evenly over both feet and stand tall. Set an hourly alarm or reminder on your phone to make sure that you are positioned in a posture-supportive way.
Keep Ergonomics in Mind
When working at a desk, make sure to use a chair with good back support and adjust the height of your desk and computer to prevent strain on your neck and shoulders. Check out The Aeron Chair or The Ticova Ergonomic Chair for inspiration.
Prioritizing posture can contribute to a reduction in pain, improved breathing, improved energy levels, as well as better digestion and confidence! To improve your posture, strengthen your core, stretch regularly, sit and stand correctly, and use proper ergonomics.