Postures for the right muscle tension.

Do you suffer from constant back pain even without lifting heavy weights? Does your neck ache even without any vigorous movement? Do you always have pain in the shoulders? All of these might be a result of poor posture. Whether you’re walking, standing, sleeping or simply sitting, your posture should be correct. When your posture is not correct, the stress is laid on the muscles which are not meant to support your posture. This stress causes pain and over time, they lead to bone and muscle problems.

Posture is the way you hold your body and how you carry your body. And having a good posture means aligning your muscles and bones in such a way that it gets the right amount of muscle tension. Good posture benefits us in many ways. Posture is really essential for the internal organs to function well. Poor posture can affect respiration and hinder proper functioning of the organs.

STANDING POSTURE

Keep your back straight. Pull back your shoulders. Hold your head straight, don’t slump it forward. You chin should be parallel to the ground. Put equal weight on both feet. Tuck in you stomach or adjust your pelvis such that your abdominal wall is flat. If you have to stand in a same position for a long time, you can keep shifting your weight from one leg to another every 20 minutes. If you need to lift some heavy objects, then don’t bend your back for that. Instead, bend your knees to lift it up.

SITTING POSTURE

Don’t slouch over you desk. Don’t keep your phone in your lap such that you bend while using it. That puts a lot of stress on the spine. Keep your feet flat on the ground. Don’t cross your legs. Keep your spine and head erect. You shoulders shouldn’t be rounded. Don’t twist your waist to look back, just turn your whole body in that direction. Keep changing your position every 20 minutes.

SLEEPING POSITION

Since your body is in the same position for a long time when you’re sleeping, it is important that you don’t do it wrong. We sleep so that our muscles relax, and when we sleep in the wrong position, the opposite of that happens. Instead of feeling fresh, we wake up feeling tired and inflexible. If you sleep on your back, then don’t use a pillow that is high. If you sleep on your side, then don’t bend your neck downwards and don’t pull your knees high up. Put a pillow between your knees. Do not sleep on your stomach. If you sleep on your stomach, your spine will suffer.

These may sound difficult but they aren’t. To improve your posture, you need to be conscious of your stance in the first few weeks. After some practice, good posture will become your second nature. When you consciously correct your posture, your muscles will adapt to it. You are not always aware of your posture, there are certain muscles responsible for that. With some attention and practice, your muscles will act in accordance and you don’t have to worry about your posture. Start practicing yoga to improve your posture. Stretching exercises can help a lot to improve your posture. These are easy to do as you don’t require special equipment. You should stretch your muscles after long hours of staying in the same position.

Good posture prevents muscle fatigue. It keeps the muscles and bones in correct alignment so that they are used properly. Poor posture causes respiratory problems and also causes indigestion. Your body works at its best when you hold it correctly. Studies have found that it stimulates confidence. Good posture also adds to good appearance. So take hold of your body and feel better! Until next time!