How To Have Good Posture

When we talk about the overall personality of a person, it is not only the way he walks, talks and dresses, but also how he carries himself that catches our attention. In this context, a good posture can go a long way in adding to the persona of an individual. Apart from this, it also helps keep back pain and avoidable injuries at bay. However, the sad part is that majority of the people do not know how to have good posture. If you are also one of them, the tips given below would surely prove to be handy.

 

 

Whenever you sit on a chair, make sure to keep your shoulders straight and avoid slouching or leaning forward. Your arms should be flexed at a 75 to 90 degree angle at the elbows, while the neck, back, and heels should all be properly aligned with each other. Finally, keep both the feet planted firmly on the floor. In case your feet are able to touch the floor, as you sit on the chair, get a footrest to provide the required support.

 

When you stand up, you need to make sure that the weight of your body is directed on the balls of the feet, not the heels or toes. The feet should be shoulder-width apart, with the arms naturally hanging down the sides of the body. The shoulders should be upright, chin tucked in and head square on top of the neck and spine. If you can't seem to get the posture straight, stand against a wall, with your shoulders, bottom and back of the head touching it concurrently.

 

When you sit in the driver seat of a car, adjust it in such a way that you are at a proper distance from the pedals and steering wheel. The distance should be such that neither do you have your knees banging against the steering, nor do you need to lean forward (to drive properly). Your back should be firmly planted against the seat, while the headrest should support the middle of the head, by being not more than four inches from the latter.

 

Whenever you are carrying a heavy object and find it difficult to walk straight, make sure to bend at the knees, not the waist. It is always better to lift an object by propping it against leg and stomach muscles, rather than against the lower back. Keep it close to the chest. In case you are carrying a backpack, avoid leaning forward or rounding the shoulders. If you are carrying something with one arm, like a filled bucket, try to switch arms frequently.

 

For sleeping purposes, it is better to stick to a relatively firm mattress, rather than an absolutely cushy one. Try to sleep on your side or back, rather than stomach, as it is much more comfortable and akin to a good posture as well. You can use a pillow for providing support as well as ensuing proper alignment of the head and shoulders. If possible, provide extra support to the next, by putting a rolled-up towel under it.