Common Activities That Can Affect Your Posture
Good posture is important beyond improving your appearance and boosting your self-esteem. It also takes stress off your body as your joints, muscles, and bones align and work together. Likewise, it helps you breathe properly since your diagram can function effectively. It also promotes back and core muscle strength and diverse motion ranges while preventing headaches, fatigue, and injuries. However, certain activities can compromise your posture and prevent you from enjoying these benefits. Here are a few worth considering and how to correct them.
- Prolonged use of tech devices
Admittedly, your smart devices can be entertaining, as you can watch videos, play games or read. They can also benefit your work since they make tasks easier to perform. Despite these benefits, you risk affecting your posture if you use them for a long time. It can even be worse if you sit or stand in the wrong position when using them. It’s not uncommon for people to lean their heads forward and hunch their backs when using their phones or PCs. This, in turn, can ruin your posture while causing nerve pain, arthritis, and headaches. Various studies have also linked the prolonged use of smart devices to lower back pain. Therefore, it’s essential to learn how to use your devices properly.
Experts advise setting uprightly and bringing your phones to eye level to minimize your neck and back stress. Likewise, leverage voice dictation instead of text, and rest your elbows when using your phone. When using your laptop, ensure that your eyes are at the same level as the top third of your computer screen. Consequently, invest in a laptop stand and external keyboard for the best results. You’ll also find it helpful to take intermittent breaks to give your back the needed break.
- Wearing the wrong shoes
Sure, you’ve found beautiful shoes you can’t wait to have. However, it’s prudent if this footwear is appropriate before purchasing them. Your feet have natural curvatures that support your skeletal system and body, and the right shoes should support these curves and protect your foot. However, improper footwear doesn’t offer this support, causing your joints, tendons, and muscles to work overtime. This can lead to poor balance and posture, aching feet, foot deformities, ingrown toenails, heel fissures, and neuropathy.
When buying footwear, ensure that you invest in options with a firm foundation and arch support. Consequently, choose shoes that offer comfort, and avoid placing aesthetics over function. It’s also prudent to choose the right shoes for each function. For instance, regular flat shoes won’t work well when running a marathon, so keep this in mind. You also want to avoid walking in heels for prolonged periods. As a tip, wear walking shoes to the venue and change into your heels when you get there.
- Carrying your heavy bag over one shoulder
You may harm your posture if you frequently carry your bag on one shoulder. While they may be stylish, your bags or purses may not be designed to distribute weight evenly. Threfore, you risk developing muscle strain, pain, asymmetry, and poor posture when standing or walking. You’ll find it helpful to change sides frequently when carrying a one-strap bag or purse. You can also consider investing in backpacks since you can carry them on both shoulders.
