To some extent, we are all aware of the physiological impacts of poor posture. Whether you’re a physiotherapist devoted to the study of musculoskeletal injuries, or simply spend a great deal of time sitting at a computer, you have likely experienced first-hand the impact a bad stance has on our muscles and bones.
Even so, it can still be difficult to make lasting changes to your posture. Read more below about the impact it could be having on your ability to remain focussed, positive, and alert – and how to begin fixing it today.
Better Posture Boosts Brain Power
Aside from the shoulder pain, discomfort in our necks and lower backs, and stiffness associated with poor posture, a slumped spine has a significant impact on our minds, too. Not only can it make us feel less inclined towards positive thoughts, but it can also impair our concentration by restricting the circulation of blood around our bodies, and our ability to breathe properly.
As a result, office workers are likely to feel less productive when their posture is poor, and this can derail even the strongest work ethic. In fact, backpain is one of the most common reasons employees give for missing a day of work.
Similarly, gamers who are prone to hunching forward are likely to suffer the impact poor and pain can have on their ability to concentrate on the game itself. From professional gamers streaming to millions, to those enjoying online slots in the United Kingdom, anyone who wants to be on top form – and maintain their winning streak – should focus on improving their posture.
Change Your Chair
Not all chairs are created equal, and some can make it much harder – or impossible – for you to improve your posture, even if you want to.
A good chair will provide excellent support for your lumbar region, which is the area of your spine that curves inwards, just above your hip bones. Remember that everyone’s spine is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach will not offer the support your lumbar needs.
Ensure that the height of the chair makes it easy and comfortable for you to keep your feet flat on the floor, and that your sits bones are bearing the weight of your upper body properly.
Practice Yoga
Yoga holds countless benefits for our minds and bodies. By improving flexibility, core strength, and balance, you are creating a foundation on which to build better posture that will last long after you have stepped off the mat for the day.
Without proper exercise, the muscles around the spine can grow much weaker, making it harder for us to maintain a straight spine. Yoga addresses the issue from the inside out, and also brings a whole world of benefits for your circulation, mental health, and energy-levels, putting us into a much better state of mind for adopting better practices in everyday life.
Take Regular Breaks
Focussing on a computer screen is tiring, but it is also hypnotic. It may well be true that we can spend hours working solidly at the keyboard – but should we? The longer we spend glued to the screen, the easier it will be to forget about – or disregard – everything we know about spine health and concentration.
Taking regular breaks whenever possible, and using that time to stand up, move around, reintroduce movement into our spines, and re-ground ourselves in reality, will ensure that we are able to return to our desks with enough stamina to make it through the next stint on the screen.
Focus on Your Shoulders
Slouching forward is impossible if you focus correcting the way you are holding your shoulders. When they begin to slip forward, the rest of your spine will follow until most of your upper body ends up slumped over the dusk, and your neck has to compensate by straining to keep your head up.
Leave yourself a reminder to focus on aligning your shoulders with your collar bone whenever you begin to pitch forward. You’ll find that the rest of your upper body follows suit.
