She Strengthens

Breaking the Slump: How to Develop Healthy Posture Habits

The Consequences of Slouching

We’ve all been there – sitting for hours on end, slumped over our computers or phones, completely unaware of the negative impact it’s having on our bodies. Chronic pain, decreased productivity, and even difficulty recalling positive thoughts can all be linked to poor posture. But it’s not just about aesthetics; developing healthy posture habits can have a significant impact on our overall well-being.

The Power of Awareness

According to Dr. Derrell Blackburn, Senior Manager of Chiropractic Relations and Training for The Joint Chiropractic, “Good posture, like any exercise, must become a habit to experience results.” And the first step in changing our habits is awareness. Research has shown that being more mindful of our posture can help alleviate chronic pain. That’s where posture products come in – tools designed to help us build healthy habits and develop better posture.

Wearable Posture Correctors: A Helpful Tool

Wearable posture correctors, such as the Comezy Back Posture Corrector and FY Posture Corrector, work to interrupt the habit of slouching and prompt our bodies to straighten up and sit or stand taller. By wearing these devices, we can retrain our muscles to maintain a healthy posture. The key to getting the most out of wearables is putting in the effort – reading the directions carefully and easing into use throughout the day.

Posture Apps: A Reminders-Based Approach

Posture apps, like UPRIGHT GO and Stand Up! The Work Break Timer, take a reminders-based approach to helping us develop healthy posture habits. These apps remind us to move and correct our posture, providing a gentle nudge towards better habits. By tracking our daily posture habits, we can see if we’re making progress and make adjustments accordingly.

Ditching Sitting for Standing Desks

Long periods of sitting have been linked to a range of chronic health issues. One simple way to avoid this is to sit less! Standing desks, like the FlexiSpot M2B Standing Desk, are designed to relieve lower back, shoulder, and arm pain while working. When looking for a good standing desk, it’s essential to find one that can be adjusted to accommodate your specific needs and provides proper ground support.

Lumbar Pillows: Supporting the Lower Back

The lower part of our back, the lumbar spine, can take a lot of punishment from sitting in a chair without proper support. Lumbar pillows, like the Samsonite SA5243 Ergonomic Lumbar Support Pillow, can help alleviate this by providing support and maintaining the normal curve of our spine.

Exercise Props: Strengthening and Stretching

While posture devices and apps can be helpful, they’re not a replacement for regular exercise. Yoga blocks and straps, like the Gaiam Essentials Yoga Block and Tumaz Yoga Strap, can help us stretch and strengthen our muscles, supporting healthy posture. By incorporating these tools into our yoga practice, we can target smaller muscle groups and improve our overall flexibility and strength.

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Use a yoga strap to DIY your own posture corrector by wrapping it around your back and pulling the excess material out in front of you.
• Experiment with different posture products to find what works best for you.
• Make postural transitions several times an hour by switching from sitting to standing.
• Prioritize awareness and mindfulness when it comes to your posture – it’s the first step towards developing healthy habits.