Slouching is not only a visual defect, but also negatively affects the health of the whole body as a whole. The lungs are compressed, so we breathe incorrectly, the full supply of oxygen to the cells is disturbed, the heart has a harder time working, various pathologies of the spine develop, which over the years can develop into serious illnesses and cause unbearable pain.
There are various reasons for postural disorders. They are formed already in early childhood - carrying a heavy school bag and sitting crookedly on a school bench is just one of the reasons.
From health to self-confidence, our posture affects a lot more than we think.
But how to determine if you are slouching?
When sitting, your feet should be flat on the floor with even weight on both hips. Your back should be straight (there will be a natural curve in the waist, chest and neck area). Your shoulders should be relaxed and pulled back.
Now that we know what a straight back is and not a crooked back, here are the top 5 benefits of good posture and tips on how to achieve it.
1. Increased energy levels
When your bones and joints are properly aligned, it allows your muscles to be used as intended, so you'll have less fatigue and more energy. In other words, the muscles don't have to work as hard to do what they're designed to do.
To keep your energy levels high, remember that it's okay to take a break from time to time. Give your postural muscles a break for a moment. They can be overworked and cause pain if the muscles are frequently and continuously stressed.
2. Reduced tension in the shoulders and neck
Often, when actively working at the computer, we have a tendency to move our neck and shoulders forward towards the screen. By doing proper posture correcting exercises, you will notice that over time the tension will decrease and the fatigue will be less.
To make it easier to remember to keep your back straight in your busy everyday life, the Upper posture corrector will help you a lot. This develops back muscle memory and prevents the shoulders from rolling forward.
3. Increased lung capacity
If you have a crooked back and lean forward, you are compressing your lungs. If you sit and stand with your back straight, your lungs have more room to expand. In other words, proper posture improves your breathing. By improving breathing, the brain receives more oxygen and works more actively.
For faster results, straighten your back while sitting and open your lungs with three deep breaths several times a day.
4. Improved blood circulation and digestion
If you compress the vital organs, blood circulation is impaired and those organs will also not work as well as they are supposed to. Healthy circulation requires proper posture and avoiding postures that slow blood circulation, such as crossing your legs and sitting on one side.
When sitting, keep your hips against the back of the chair. Your feet should be on the ground for better support. The shoulders should be rolled back and the neck muscles should be relaxed.
5. Taller look
As unbelievable as it sounds, the right posture can make us more attractive. People look taller and slimmer when they have the right posture, Sometimes it can even make your stomach more defined.
Stand in front of the mirror with normal posture. Look at yourself from all angles. Then straighten your posture and notice the difference in how you look.
Your appearance is one of the first things that will change when you practice proper posture. The effect can be almost immediate. To make proper posture a habit, continue to stick to a period of time where you try to do everything with a straight back.
Want a challenge? Sign up for Upper's posture improvement program and receive new exercises every week that you can do from home. They will only take 15 minutes a day.