4 Postures That You Should Correct

Although many of us take care of our posture when we are in front of the computer, there are many others that we must take into account if we do not want our general health to be affected.

When we are born, we instinctively know what the correct postures are in general lines. Thus, a healthy child – from the physical and emotional point of view – tends to walk, sleep and play in positions that are physiologically appropriate. In addition, they have their parents to correct them if necessary.

However, sedentary life and forced or repetitive labor lead us to damage our postural hygiene. Do you know what that is about? If the answer is “no”, don’t worry, we’ll tell you about it below.

What is postural hygiene?

The postural hygiene is a term used to refer to the set of good habits performing everyday tasks, work, sports, exercises, etc. This is not an issue that should be considered only in the workplace, but in life in general.

Without realizing it, when executing any movement, we can adopt unhealthy postures that deteriorate health. In fact, many deformations, irreversible damage, spinal problems, back pain and other conditions are related to poor postural habits.

Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the way we sit and the postures we adopt when standing and performing different tasks (such as lifting a heavy object, vacuuming or mopping, etc.). These will have a direct influence on health and, consequently, on our appearance. In this sense, postural hygiene will allow us to stay healthy and active for longer.

On the contrary, inappropriate postures can limit the quality of life. Among the most common incorrect postures that should be corrected as soon as possible are the following.

4 postures that you should correct

1. Bad posture when sitting

The most common is to form a curve with the back putting the shoulders forward. It may seem like a comfortable position, but it is not physiologically correct.

At first, one way to tell if a posture is wrong is because it causes pain. S owever, when the body has become accustomed to an incorrect posture, may occur even signs of the evil that is being generated.

Another very common mistake when sitting is supporting the entire weight of the body on one side. Supporting ourselves mainly on one leg. In this regard, it is proven that any posture in which the body is not in proper weight balance will be detrimental to health.

Each part of the body must rest in its natural point of support without recharging another member:

• Ideally, when sitting, the body weight is in balance.
• For this, both legs must be in the same position, trying that the soles of both feet touch the ground completely.
• Your back should be straight, but relaxed, at a 90 degree angle.

2. Bad posture when sleeping

This is one of the times when correct posture is essential, because if we sleep badly, we do not rest and we will have a bad day. In addition, the sleeping postures are becoming a very difficult habit to change.

• The ideal postures for sleeping are on your side. And ideally  with a pillow between the legs so that your spine remains aligned.
• Another good option is to sleep on your back, with a pillow under your knees, so that your back and joints receive the ideal rest.

In this case it is not good to cross your legs. The correct thing is that each member is well supported on the bed and rests on its own weight without being one on the other.

Another position that we should not adopt when sleeping is face down. In this way the organs are pressed, creating difficulty in breathing. In addition, the neck muscles contract and tension is created.

3. Poor posture when lifting objects

In everyday life, at one point or another we find ourselves needing to lift things off the floor. The downside is that most move the body forward, flexing the trunk. In this way hernias can be caused in the spine, bringing with it a lot of pain.

• Ideally, face the object and bend your knees to crouch down.  After grasping the object, contract your gluteal and abdominal muscles to return to the starting position, taking a deep breath.

If we cannot lift the object in the correct posture, it is better not to lift it and ask for help.

What happens when we lift it with our back is that at first it seems easier. But the skeletal system suffers from doing work that must be done in conjunction with the muscles.

4. Bad posture in front of the computer

This is a delicate matter. It represents one of the main reasons for developing occupational diseases and health problems associated with bodily hygiene and poorly ergonomic work and leisure places.

If when we are in front of the computer, we repeatedly bend our body back and forth seeking a “comfortable” position, it is likely that the chair is not at the correct height. Or that it is not adequate.

• Ideally, the chair you are working on should be adjusted so that it has a height where the soles of your feet rest completely  on the ground and that a right angle is formed between your hips and knees.

Similarly, for the posture to be correct, the computer screen must be at an arm’s length from the body, which can be seen at eye level. In turn, the wrists should rest on the mouse or mouse pads, to avoid carpal tunnel problems.

Now you have the basic notions to know what are the best positions in each situation. Take them into account and you will notice the difference in your body.