Having an attractive and confident bearing isn’t the only reason good posture is so important. Good posture helps improve your health and well-being. It also helps you avoid muscle tension, fatigue, and the annoying back pain that most of us complain about when sitting for too long.
As kids, you’re often told to ‘stop slouching’ or ‘sit up straight.’ Although annoying, it’s good advice for your overall health. Fortunately, it’s never too late to straighten up and achieve a healthier back through having better posture.
Here are some tips to consider:
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Invest In Your Bed
When talking about good posture, most people immediately think about sitting or standing properly. Nevertheless, good posture should also be applied when sleeping. After all, you’d be lying on your bed for the same amount of time as sitting in front of your computer at work. Thus, it only makes sense to ensure good posture while you sleep.
For one, the right mattress can do wonders in reducing back pain and maintaining a healthy back. Choosing the right firmness for your mattress can help support your spine’s natural shape for a healthy sleeping posture.
In terms of choosing your pillows, you need to think about the curve of your neck in your usual sleeping position. For instance, if you sleep on your sides, you’ll need a thicker pillow that fills in the space between the bed and your ear. You also need a pillow between your knees to remove stress from your lower back and hips and ensure proper spine alignment.
Meanwhile, a compact and flat pillow is recommended to maintain an even and level position of the head if you’re a stomach sleeper. Most stomach sleepers can even sleep without a pillow since it’s more comfortable and reduces strain.
Back sleepers, on the other hand, will need a pillow that supports their neck, head, and the natural curves of their shoulder. Significantly, investing in an adjustable bed that can be aligned to your preferred position is the best way to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
An adjustable bed is a good foundation for getting the best alignment of your spine as you sleep, enhancing support, and reducing pain. Also, it allows you to experiment with your sleeping position, so you can find the best one that supports the natural curves of your spine. This can help alleviate back pain and prevent other sleep issues such as snoring or sleep apnea.
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Stop Slouching
Slouching may bring temporary comfort, especially when sitting. However, it puts unnecessary stress on your shoulders and spine. It also creates pressure and strain on your muscles, joints, and bones that hold your backbone in place. Consequently, extreme back pain will develop due to this pressure accumulation over time.
Furthermore, the constant slouching pushes down on your organs, making it harder for your intestines and lungs to work properly. So, it’s best to always make a conscious effort to sit or stand up straighter.
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Avoid Text Neck
If you’re on your smartphone or tablet all day, then you’ve probably experienced ‘text neck.’ This happens when you tilt your head down to stare at your phone, putting a strain on your spine. Over time, that strain can add up and cause pain in your shoulders and back. Ideally, you should lift your phone and move your eyes for a better view. Don’t bend down your head.
Alternatively, you can invest in a gadget holder. This allows you to prop up your devices, so you don’t have to look straight down at them. Meanwhile, take a minute to stretch your neck. You can keep your body momentarily readjusted and relaxed by working your neck muscles.
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Create An Ergonomic Workstation
Most people spend most of their days at a desk. If this is you, then you want to make sure that you set up an ergonomic workstation. Start by having a good chair that can be adjusted for your body and posture.
In addition, it’s best to keep your keyboard directly in front of you and close to your body. Also, make sure to position your monitor directly in front of you. It should be at eye level to avoid slouching forward onto your screen.
Moreover, taking frequent breaks to break up long periods of sitting is important. Take breaks to stand, walk, and move often. You want to limit those long periods when you’re just immobile and sitting.
Takeaway
Having good posture means enjoying a healthier back. However, improving it may take a little patience and work. Nevertheless, making you look and feel better is worth it. By following the abovementioned tips, you can stop slouching, get relief from pain, and enjoy a stronger, healthier back.
