Your overall body function and efficiency are highly dependent on your postural mechanisms. In addition, your current body posture results from your continued postural habits; thus, to correct the situation or ensure your loved one, such as your child, grows up to be fit and healthy, you need to prioritize upholding a good posture. To achieve this, you need to keep the position of your spine in check. The three natural curves of your spine, which include your neck, midback, and lower back, should be maintained to achieve a good posture. The following tips should help you achieve a good posture:
The correct sitting posture
The average human sits for about 6 to 8 hours a day, whether in school, at work, or home, significantly affecting the overall posture and body health. Both adults and young children tend to be glued to laptops and computers all day; thus, maintaining a good posture is crucial. How?:
• Get ergonomically designed desks and chairs for your loved ones to create a more efficient workstation. When using a computer, adjust the screen such that its upper third is at eye level to avoid slouching.
• Always ensure you and your family use lumber back support to maintain the natural inward curve and reduce the tendency to lean over.
• Train your children to avoid couch-sitting in a twisted position or sitting anywhere for long with their feet hanging in the air instead of touching the floor.
General posture during normal activities
Most people conduct their daily activities not knowing the poor positions they assume and its risk to their spines. For safety purposes and overall body comfort, train your family to do the following:
• Avoid text neck– Lift the phone to eye level or an ideal position and take frequent breaks to avoid leaning your head forward, which is associated with neck and shoulder pain. To increase flexibility and reduce pain, stretch your neck regularly by tilting your head sideways and doing the ‘exaggerated nod.’
• Apply the ‘curve reversal’ rule – this will help correct the effect of poor posture, for instance, stretching backward after a long period of leaning forward.
• Exercise and stretch regularly- this will help you boost muscle flexibility to support your postures.
• Pay attention to your body’s needs by adjusting your postures to fit- This will reduce pain and risk of cramps and strains, such as using thigh muscles and a straight back when lifting heavy items. In addition, avoid standing or leaning on one leg.
• Get your children ergonomic school bags: These are specially designed with adjustable broad shoulder straps and waist straps to distribute weight evenly over both shoulders and hips.
• Warm-up before exercising- This will prepare the spine for your sport by improving blood flow to the muscles and overall body flexibility.
Takeaway
Constantly maintaining a good posture will facilitate the correct alignment of your bones and joints, ensuring reduced wear and tear and decreased strain on the ligaments. Improve your habits and focus on maintaining a good posture in whatever you do. Please do not put too much pressure on yourself; it takes time to adjust your habits. However, if you or your loved ones experience any associated injuries or need help in spinal manipulations, find health professionals such as chiropractors to ensure your body functions as optimally as possible.