Poor posture is not only unattractive but it can also have negative effects on your body.
A crumpled body results in restricted breathing. Even breathing is a challenge if your posture isn’t great. Slouching leaves your rib cage in an unnatural position, which puts added pressure on your lungs.
Aching joints could be the result of poor posture. Good posture allows the effects of gravity to be felt evenly across your whole body. Bad posture means that some of your joints and muscles are working harder than they should which could have negative effects in the long run.
Over time, putting too much pressure on your joints causes connective tissue to wear away. This results in your bones rubbing against each other, which is not only uncomfortable but will also lead to conditions such as arthritis in the long run.
Your spine will also feel the strain of poor posture. Too much pressure here increases the likelihood of a slipped disc or trapped nerve.
Digestion is hindered. When slouched, your body is actually putting pressure on your internal organs, which makes digestion more difficult which can lead to a number of issues including constipation, acid reflux, and hernias.
We were told as children to “sit up straight” or “stop slouching” so why do we do it despite the negative effect it has on our bodies?
More often than not, it’s not something we really think about. Things like your job or your body type can affect this habit.
Slouching over a desk all day is very bad for your posture. If your job involves sitting behind a desk, it’s difficult to maintain good posture. Investing in back support and getting up for a walk occasionally is a good way to give your joints a break. Another solution is a variable desk, giving you the option to work from a sitting or standing position.
Your weight can also affect your posture, as it is harder for your body to keep the extra pounds distributed properly.
Fixing the problem
Poor posture isn’t necessarily the result of laziness but of habit. Improving your posture, and inherently your overall health will require a conscious effort.
As with most anything, practice makes perfect. Work on keeping your shoulders, elbows, hips and knees aligned while keeping your head up and back straight. It’s also important that your weight is evenly distributed on both feet.
