How To Increase Good Posture
People judge us, based on how we initially present ourselves. If might not be fair, but there it is. Someone at the opera, wearing a buff-dude (without being a buff-dude) under-shirt, flip flops, and exhibiting poor posture says something very different from someone dressed in nice slacks, real shoes, and standing erect. Our posture is the first indication of confidence, followed closely by our appearance. Not only does posture speak to those we encounter, but it also speaks to our brain. Remember, we are always talking to ourself, and our body is always talking to itself. What are we saying? Do we feel, act, and speak confidently, or fall short, unsure of ourself. Our posture reflects that.
A simple way to boost your own confidence is to practice good posture. An open, strong, superman stance says to the world, “I’m here. I’m ready to engage.” Donald Trump would be an example of a supremely confident individual, regardless of your politics or his personality.
When you want to feel in charge, on top of the world, and confident about business or personal relationships, or you want the effects of confidence working in your brain (more positive energy, less negative), sit or stand up straight, no slouching. Walk with confidence, like you are going somewhere, instead of ambling along. A good way to check your posture is to make sure that your ears are above your shoulders, not in front of them. Your shoulders stay in line with your hips, not in front or back of them. When walking, lead with your upper body, not just your nose.
By practicing correct posture, you keep your muscles toned. When you lengthen your spine, and it is in alignment with the rest of your body, your lungs have room to expand. You take in more air, making it easier to breath, and overall reducing pain. Exhaling relaxes the muscles, lowering the sympathetic (fight or flight) response. This reduces stress, and gives you a better chance at living a more comfortable, pain free, life for a longer period of time.
That’s Aging Intelligently.