Sitting Up
It’s a classic piece of advice we’ve all heard: “Sit up straight!” Having good posture not only looks better, but it can also help alleviate back pain and strengthen muscles. It is important for balance, too, which can improve performance in many sports and activities, including running, dancing and tennis.
Keep Your Shoulders Back
While slouching may be comfortable, it is not good for your back. Slouching disrupts the natural curvature of your spine and can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and aches over time.
Poor posture can also cause throbbing headaches over the base of your skull. This is why it is important to be mindful of your body positioning throughout the day.
Avoid Slouching
The muscles, joints and ligaments of your spine are healthier when they are in a natural position. Poor posture puts extra stress on the back, which can lead to pain and damage over time.
Slouching also impacts certain abdominal organs in an unnatural way. It can promote heartburn and incontinence. This is because slouching increases pressure on the bladder and decreases the ability of the pelvic floor muscles to hold it against this pressure.
Sleep On Your Side
Even though it might be hard to control your body position once you fall asleep, you should try to make an effort to sleep in a way that will improve your posture. This will help you wake up with less aches and pains and feel more rested.
Having the right pillows and mattress can improve your sleeping posture, even for stomach sleepers. It’s best to use a pillow that will keep your head aligned with the rest of your spine.
