Poor posture is a big deal, yet it is something that people struggle with every day. While seemingly simple, correcting your posture can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Before you have flashbacks to an authority figure from your childhood scolding you for slouching, don’t worry—this isn’t a lecture. Instead, it’s a brief overview of why poor posture can be dangerous and some simple tricks for how to fix it.

The Problem with Poor Posture

Having subpar posture can’t be that bad, right? Unfortunately, even mildly incorrect posture can have negative consequences if it persists. The problems that arise may not be what you’d expect, either. Poor posture can lead to a myriad of health issues. Some of these problems, like back and neck pain, are obvious. You are putting your spine and the corresponding soft tissues in a compromised position. Over time, that can cause misalignment, areas of weakness, and pain. Pain may be the most common consequence of poor posture, but it isn’t the only one. Slouching can contribute to lower energy levels, decreased productivity, breathing problems, and even digestive issues. Despite the clear and common troubles associated with incorrect posture, it is a habit that is challenging to break. With a little knowledge and a commitment to staying the course, you can correct your posture and improve your future health.

Tricks to Correct Your Posture

With the dangers of poor posture evident, let’s skip to the good part—how to fix it. Thankfully, it’s not as challenging as you might think!

Exercise

Poor posture can be caused by weakness and can cause weakness. Establishing an exercise routine can correct problems caused by poor posture and fix the poor posture itself.While exercise of any kind is a good idea, weight-bearing exercises and those that focus on strengthening the abdominals and lower back muscles are key. Before implementing a new exercise regimen, be sure to consult your doctor. They can guide you to the correct exercises and corresponding forms to safely address your physical condition and posture.

Stretch

Regular stretching helps correct imbalances that can contribute to poor posture. In addition to improving flexibility, stretching is also a fantastic way to strengthen stabilizing muscles and your core, both of which are essential to maintaining good posture. Whether you develop your own stretching routine, attend a class, or find a guide online, talking to your doctor about the best stretches to include is a great idea.

Change How You Sit

Sitting correctly can be harder than it sounds, especially if you work at a desk. There are a few key cues to keep in mind that can help you along your journey to better posture while sitting. Focus on sitting up straight and keeping your shoulder back. This is especially important if you work on a computer and tend to hunch forward and drop your shoulders to type. Additionally, try to keep your feet on the ground with your knees bent at approximately 90 degrees. The closer your chair is to your desk or keyboard, the easier keeping proper alignment will be. You may also want to experiment with different chairs and invest in the one that encourages you to maintain correct posture in a comfortable manner.

Take Breaks

Speaking of long days behind a desk, making a point to take regular breaks is essential. Even if you have the best intentions, it is easy to slip into poor posture as you work. Taking breaks not only gives you an opportunity to walk around and stretch but also to reset your posture before your next stint at the keyboard.

Properly Position Electronics

Using phones, laptops, and other electronic devices typically involves looking downward. This causes poor posture each and every time. To combat this electronics-induced hunch, be sure to position your electronics properly. If you are working on a laptop, set it at eye level. If you are texting or watching a video on your phone, hold or prop it up so you don’t have to look down. Over time, these habits will take over, and your posture will thank you.

We hope these five tricks for better posture help you lead a happier, healthy life free of pain and other posture-related problems. If you have more questions or would like personalized guidance for correcting your particular posture, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help however we can!