Posture: The Key to Good Health
By Sara Butler
How much time do you spend sitting at your desk every day? How about watching television or carrying a heavy bag? Your day is filled with posture pitfalls that can have a serious impact on your overall health. Hunching over your desk, leaning to the side to carry a heavy bag or even looking down at your phone while typing out a text can result in many health issues; these issues can range from muscle stiffness and pain to headaches, muscle cramps or fatigue. Fear not, because your chiropractor is there to help! Here is how you can unlock great health with your posture!
A Chain Reaction
When you practice poor posture you are damaging your health. Poor posture, once established, creates a kind of chain reaction because it puts extra stress on your joints; stress that then drains energy and eventually leads to damage of your skeletal, circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems.
You can create less stress, have more energy and feel less fatigue by achieving and maintaining good posture!
What Is Good Posture?
When all parts of your body are balanced and supported, then you are practicing good posture. In a standing position, you should be able to draw a line directly from your shoulder to your earlobe, from your hip to your knee and then down to your ankle.
The most important thing you can do to improve your posture is learn how to do it right no matter what position you are in.
At the Office
You can improve your sitting posture at work by following a few simple steps. You should:
- Sit in a chair that fits you well – You should have two inches between the back of your knees and the front of the chair. Your knees should also be at a right angle.
- Your computer monitor at eye level – You should place your computer monitor at or just below your eye level so you don’t look down.
- Take breaks – You need frequent breaks to ensure you don’t stay in one position for too long. Set a reminder on your phone or computer to get up and move around for a few minutes at least once an hour.
Posture is something you have to be diligent about, but doing it right will soon become second nature once you get the hang of it. To prepare yourself for all situations at home and away, discuss proper posture with your chiropractor during your next visit to The Joint!