Tips to improve your posture
Learn how to correct your posture with these six simple tips and say goodbye to back pain. A healthier, pain-free, life awaits you.
You're probably familiar with that old item of advice: Stand up straight! But have you really given it the attention it deserves? Good postural hygiene is not only important for aesthetic reasons; it is essential for our long-term physical and emotional health. Incorrect posture can trigger health problems such as muscle contractures, herniated discs or degenerative disorders, affecting our quality of life. It also has a direct influence on how we feel emotionally, as proper body posture makes us feel more confident and projects confidence and good balance.
Achieving a healthy posture requires being mindful at all times of the way we walk and sit: we should keep our back aligned, relax our muscles, keep our head upright and our shoulders in their natural position. These very minor adjustments can help limit stress on the joints, protect the spine and promote general well-being. Initially, maintaining correct body posture throughout the day may seem challenging, but with practice it becomes an automatic habit, with noticeable benefits for your physical and mental health. If you want to start taking care of your posture and seeing the benefits, here are some simple advices:
Tips to improve your body posture:
Ergonomics, your best ally
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If your job requires you to sit for long hours, it is essential that your workplace should be ergonomic. Make sure your feet are resting comfortably on the floor, so your knees are forming a right angle, your back is straight, your shoulders are relaxed and your elbows rest naturally on the desk. Also check that the screen is at eye level and the keyboard at the right distance. These small corrections can prevent muscle tension and improve your posture throughout the day. But these issues are not just important while working, but also when driving or sitting on a sofa or a chair!
Strengthen your back
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Strengthen your core (abdominal, gluteal and lumbar muscles) to improve the stability of your spine. Regular training is key to maintaining a healthy posture. Activities such as yoga or Pilates are particularly beneficial in order to tone these muscles and foster better alignment.
Stretch, and not just when you are training
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Including brief back and neck stretches in your daily routine is a simple and effective way to relieve accumulated tension and prevent long-term discomfort. Spending long hours in the same posture can lead to stiffness and affect mobility. Don’t wait for a workout to stretch; just a few minutes a day will make a difference.
Be careful when bending over
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When lifting objects off the floor, it is essential to avoid bending your back, especially when lifting heavy objects. Incorrect posture can overload the lower back and increase the risk of muscle injury or long-term problems. Instead, it is advisable to bend your knees and keep your back straight, allowing the strain to fall on your leg muscles, which are more resistant when bearing heavy loads.
Take short walks
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If you have been in the same position for a long time, remember to take a walk to relax your overloaded areas and relieve the tension in your spine. It is essential to avoid sitting still for long periods of time, and we need to be particularly mindful of this when working or driving.
Don't neglect your posture when sleeping
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Keep in mind that good posture is essential even when sleeping, as the same principles apply when resting. It is advisable to avoid lying on your stomach, as this position can put unnecessary strain on your neck and spine. Instead, sleep on your side, keeping your hips and knees slightly bent. This position helps you maintain a more natural alignment of the spine, reducing the risk of aches and pains.
