About This Column
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
Featured Article
The Importance of Good Posture
Feb 13, 2008
Remember when your parents used to tell you not to slouch? Well, for the most part, their advice was correct. Sitting and standing up straight are both healthy ways of positioning your body. But how do you know if the way you're sitting or standing is actually straight? And what exactly does the word straight mean in this case? This week, I'll answer those questions and discuss a few simple steps to improving your posture.
The trick to standing up straight is to engage your core muscles—your abs, back, and pelvis. To do this, pull your abs in toward your spine and squeeze your bottom. Then, while holding that position, straighten your spine as if you're trying to stretch it toward the sky. Just imagine pulling a cord that runs up from your lower back through the top of your head.
Next, lift your shoulders toward your ears and then drop them down. Your shoulder blades should be pulled back so your shoulders can land on top of your rib cage. Now your abdominals and your shoulders should be aligned.
Finally, lengthen the back of your neck and slightly move your chin in so that it aligns with your chest.
You can perform this posture exercise while standing, sitting, or lying down. I recommend trying it 10 times a day until it becomes a natural part of your behavior. To ensure that you are doing it correctly, try it in front of a mirror at first. That way you can more easily recognize when something's off. As you make adjustments, pay attention to how your body feels, so you can eventually learn to correct your posture without the help of a mirror.
When I'm trying to correct my posture, I like to think back to my days as a Broadway dancer and treat it like an acting exercise—almost like I'm creating a character. I'll often imagine that I'm royalty, maybe a queen or an empress. Not only does it help me feel better physically, but it also boosts my confidence.
Remember, your abdominals, shoulders, bottom, and neck are the foundation to good posture. And good posture can be the foundation to a more confident and healthier you.
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