Models Direct
Correct posture can drastically improve your confidence and your general health, yet many of us are unaware of how important it is to our wellbeing. The way that you hold yourself says a lot to those you interact with on a daily basis, and body language is hugely important in creating a first impression. Striking the right posture encourages respect in those around you and immediately has a positive affect on your mood.
If your job requires you to spend a lot of time sitting, driving or lifting, being conscious of how your posture is impacting on you is a real priority, and getting it right can prove extremely beneficial.
Your mother knew what she was talking about when she told you to “Sit up straight”!
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints seen by GPs, with approximately half of the UK population suffering with some form of back pain in their lifetime. It accounts for around five million work absences a year, with the posture of the patient a key contributing factor.
If you need any more convincing, correct posture also enhances self-assurance and your appearance by making you appear slimmer and taller.
So how can you improve this essential and somewhat underrated quality?
Here are basic tips on how to improve your posture, from Models Direct:
- Get an expert opinion. Contact your doctor or another alignment professional if you are experiencing any pain.
- Try some tuition in Yoga, Tai-Chi, Ballet or The Alexander Technique, all of which tackle posture, balance and core strength.
- Many postural problems are created by tension in the neck, so be careful that you are not pulling your head back and letting your chin jut forward.
- Stand with you back against a wall and look straight ahead, allow your shoulders to drop if they are tense and stand so that your shoulders, the back of your head and your bottom touch the wall. Be sure that you are not looking up through your eyelashes or down your nose. If you find that you are, your head is at the wrong angle. Do this regularly to check alignment.
- When walking keep your head up and look straight ahead. Your shoulders should be aligned with the rest of your body, do not push them too far back, or allow them to roll forward.
- Undo the day’s tension in the ‘active resting’ position. Lie on the floor with a small pillow under your head to prevent it from tipping back. Keep your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent upwards to allow your spine to release tension.
- If you work in an office try not to cross your legs under your desk. Keep both feet flat on the floor, with your knees slightly apart to avoid twisting your spine or putting unnecessary pressure on your knees, hips and lower back.
- If you use a computer for work, get up and move around regularly and take your eyes off the screen.
- When lifting always bend at the knees, not the waist.
- Keep large or heavy objects as close to the chest as possible when lifting. If they are too heavy to lift comfortably, get help with them!
- When driving sit with your back firmly against the seat for proper support; do not have the seat reclined too far.
- Sleep on a firm mattress, and if possible, on your back.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
