Photo: carolynhack / Flickr

While you are reading this article, your back is probably stooped towards the screen, your shoulders are probably slouching forward and your neck is tense. But bad posture can put your spine out of alignment, which can affect the way your nerves send signals through your body – causing pain, tension and a range of problems. On top of this, bad posture just looks sloppy.

Think straight

Improving your posture is something that you will have to focus on constantly until you’re used to it. If you tend to slouch your back, try to pretend that a balloon has been attached to your head and is pulling your body upwards. You will straighten up immediately. Do this whenever you remember to. Good posture and a straight back will indicate confidence and will also make you feel much happier because your muscles will be relaxed, making you feel relaxed.

At the office

If you have an office job, you probably sit behind a desk for most of the day. Make sure you change your position at least once every 30 minutes. Get up and stretch and, if you can, have a little walk around. When you sit for long periods, certain muscles get tired and you end up slouching to give your back and neck a bit of a break. A good chair also goes a long way. Make sure that what you are sitting on supports your lower and upper back properly. Choose a chair with back support from your tailbone all the way to your shoulders.

Keep your ears, shoulders and hips aligned at all times. Whether sitting or standing, you should be able to draw an imaginary straight vertical line through these body parts. Remember that bad posture is just a bad habit, and like any other, it will take a lot of practice before you can break it without thinking.

Tags: relaxation