Poor posture affects more than just your shoulders and upper back. It could be the culprit for lower-back pain, leg pain --- and even make you look wider than you actually are. By improving your posture, you can relieve back pain while looking taller and thinner instantly. If you have trouble remembering to straighten up, you can use a few tricks to keep the issue of posture fresh in your mind and keep a straight back and relaxed shoulders all day long.
Check Your Alignment
You won't know how poor your posture is without first checking your alignment in the mirror. You might not even know you have poor posture before you see it with your own two eyes. You could also have a friend take a profile picture of you, or check out your reflection in a store window as you pass by, suggests "USA Today." When standing straight, your shoulders, hips and ankles should all be in alignment. If they aren't, you may need to think about posture improvement.
Tennis Ball Reminder
If you tend to slump forward when you're sitting at your desk or while in a chair, a tennis ball can be a simple aid to help you remember to sit up straight. While sitting in your chair, slide a tennis ball between your back and the back of the chair and hold the ball in place by pressing your back against it. Keeping the tennis ball in place causes you to sit up straight and can help remind you to practice better posture. Once you've made good posture a habit, try removing the ball.
Visualize Good Posture
Good posture starts at the head. If you slouch at the neck and shoulders, it could affect posture in the rest of your body. Learn to properly stand up straight by imagining a balloon attached to the very top of your head. Imagine the balloon is filled with helium and that it gently draws your head and neck upward. This can help you achieve the right posture. If visualization doesn't help, the HealthMad website suggests grabbing a tuft of your head and pulling upward so you know where your head and neck should be positioned.
Stash Your Shoes
If you're addicted to wearing sky-high heels or unsupportive flip-flops, stash healthier shoes for your commute or any time you're walking a long distance. Wear supportive cross-trainers, and keep your more fashionable shoes in your bag. Wearing heels or flip-flops is fine in small doses, but wearing them habitually can disturb your body's balance and alignment. Make them the exception, rather than the rule, to improve your posture overall.
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