How to Control Posture

Controlling posture requires mental focus.

Adopting proper posture refers to aligning your head, neck and spine in a natural position at all times during the day. Proper posture relieves stress put on your muscles when sitting or standing in an unnatural position. Additionally, controlling your posture will help reduce pain caused by the vertebrae of your spine aligning incorrectly from slouching. Controlling your posture will help improve your overall well-being and relieve back and neck pain over time.

Things You'll Need

• Posture pillows

Instructions

1. Learn to use proper posture. Imagine a string pulling up from the top of your head when standing or sitting. You should be looking straight ahead with your shoulders rolled back. Your upper back should not slouch forward and your lower back should not arch inward in a forced position.

2. Align your posture from the moment you wake up in the morning. Paying attention to your posture from the beginning of every day will help ensure you do not revert to an unhealthy standing or sitting position.

3. Place notes in your home, office and vehicle to remind you to correct your posture. Small reminders will help you control your posture throughout the day.

4. Purchase posture-supportive pillows to attach to chairs you sit in frequently, and one to put in your vehicle. Posture pillows will ensure you do not slouch by supporting the natural curve of your lower back.

5. Pay close attention to controlling your posture throughout each day. With time, proper posture will come naturally to your muscles and you will no longer have to correct it.

Tips & Warnings

• If adopting proper posture is painful, visit your physician to ensure an underlying health issue is not the cause.

References

• Spine Universe: Posture for a Healthy Back
• "The New Rules of Posture: How to Sit, Stand, and Move in the Modern World"; Mary Bond; 2006
• "Posture: Get It Straight"; Janice S. Novak; 2006