The importance of good posture
Being told to “sit up straight” all the time by our parents and teachers when we were young was actually very beneficial advice! You may find that improving your posture has numerous beneficial payoffs for your overall health. It is more than likely many of us catch ourselves hunching over or having poor posture throughout our days, whether it’s working in front of a computer, lifting something heavy, slouching on the couch or looking down at our phones. It can be an easy habit to fall into and unfortunately can can often lead to sore muscles, headaches and even decreased circulation and digestion.
The good news is that it’s never too late to try to improve your posture and it can be done with a few simple movements. Here are a few of the benefits of having good posture, as well as a few tips to maintain proper posture as well.
Improves mood and energy. Improving your posture often leads to an improved mood and the ability to maintain focus throughout the day better. The way you carry yourself physically can also affect how you feel mentally, including increasing confidence and self esteem. A simple way to improve your posture in order to feel more confident is to simply practice pulling your shoulders back by pretending like you’re squeezing your shoulder blades together.
Reduced headaches. Poor posture can be a major contributor to headaches due to more tension in the neck and back. Correcting your posture can ensure muscle tension is reduced and headaches are prevented. Stretching can be a great way to reduce this tension. One stretch includes a head rotation stretch by lying on your back with your knees bent and nodding your head towards the floor. Hold the movement for 10-15 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Better circulation and digestion. This may not be as much of an obvious benefit of improving posture but it is an important one. In order to have healthy blood flow you must have proper alignment and avoid positions where vital organs are compressed. When sitting down, it is important to remember to have your hips back in the chair, feet on the ground, shoulders back and neck muscles relaxed in order to maintain proper alignment.
Less tension in neck, shoulders and back. Ensuring proper posture can help to alleviate pressure and stress on the joints and ligaments in your neck, shoulders and back. Slouching and hunching can actually affect the way your spine grows, so it is important to avoid this wherever possible. A simple neck stretch can be one simple way to alleviate pressure in these areas. It is especially important if you work in an environment like sitting at a computer all day, that you are regularly conscious of your posture to avoid pain in these areas. It could be beneficial to set up an ergonomically correct work station, as well as practice proper sitting posture.
Better form when exercising. Having good posture will also allow for the correct form when exercising and can help to prevent injuries. Ensure you always have an engaged core and a neutral spine when performing movements like a squat will help to correct your posture and prevent injury from occurring.
Improving your posture with a few of the simple tips above can be so beneficial to your overall health. If you are still experiencing pain in your neck, shoulders and back or can’t seem to shake headaches even with improved posture, it may be beneficial to seek advice from a physiotherapist or other suitable health professional.
Altaira’s Lead Physiotherapist, Michael, holds both a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Medical Science degrees, and has an extensive background in Occupational Health. He is an Australian Physiotherapy Association member and believes in the provision of evidence based practice and holistic client-centred care. He is extremely passionate about assisting clients to maintain their independence and empowering them to self-manage their musculoskeletal health in a way that is relevant and meaningful for them. Book in a consult with Michael via: Make a Booking (nookal.com) Learn more about Altaira’s Allied Health services: Allied Health – Altaira Services
