Mind Your Posture

As you read this article, take note of your posture. Are you sitting up straight or slouching like I am while writing it? Slouching is defined as sitting, standing, or walking with your shoulders hunched. This position puts extra strain on our muscles, and can lead to tension, fatigue, and lasting poor posture.
Everyone is susceptible to poor posture and its effects. Mobile phones and computers have become such an integral part of our lives that our postures have adapted to using them. Other causes are wearing thin high heels, carrying heavy bags, or standing or sitting for long periods. Bad posture is both the cause and effect of imbalanced distribution of weight across the body’s musculoskeletal system, which can be damaged over time. Back, neck, and shoulder pain are commonly associated with poor posture, which - when not corrected - can develop into additional serious health issues…
Organ function
Each of our organs has its specific location with enough space to function properly. Compression from bad posture can restrict this, potentially leading to decreased effectiveness and health problems.
Sitting in the same position for hours can take a toll on your circulatory system and heart health. I experienced this first hand when, after repeated slouching and minimal movement, I had palpitations and tingling sensations in areas of my body from nerve compression.
Good posture is key for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. The vagus nerve, responsible for digestion and heart rate, can be put under pressure and malfunction when posture is misaligned. How we stand, sit, lie down, and move can have a big impact on stomach and intestine function. Malnutrition can occur even when someone is well fed, due to poor posture and the consequent malabsorption of vitamins and minerals. Other digestive issues related to poor posture include acid reflux, constipation, and hernias.
Poor posture can also cause insufficient lung expansion, triggering respiratory issues such as breathlessness and inadequate transportation of oxygen to the rest of the body.
Most posture-related problems are reversible through basic lifestyle changes and exercises. If necessary, consult a physiotherapist or an orthopaedic specialist for specific interventions for your body.
Here are some tips for daily activities:
At your desk
When walking
Behind the wheel
General tips for…
Improving posture
Maintaining posture
Improving your posture is an ongoing journey that will leave you feeling refreshed in body and mind.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mpho Masenya is a passionate writer, communicator, and advocate for basic nutrition education.
“Wellness Warehouse strives to help you live life well but because we are retailers and not medical practitioners we cannot offer medical advice. Please always consult your medical practitioner before taking any supplements, complementary medicines or have any health concerns and ensure that you always read labels, warnings and directions carefully, prior to consumption.”