When your mother said, “Honey, stand straight with your shoulders back and chin up.” she wasn’t just trying to nag you; she was trying to save you from a lifetime of painful back problems. Though most people think that the only function of good posture is to appear 10-lbs slimmer and exude a confident demeanor, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The true function of a correct, upright posture is to keep your system functioning at its peak performance.

Painful and sometimes debilitating conditions, such as migraines, backaches, weakened organ function, muscle spasms, spine misalignment and the ever-dreaded “hunchback” can all stem from poor posture. And, not too surprisingly, in today’s day and age, poor posture typically derives from excessive computer use or a sedentary lifestyle. So, you can likely attribute your poor posture to your late night gaming or demanding desk-job. If the information shared above scares you, good; let it act as a warning. The good news is that it’s never too late to begin working on correcting your poor posture. By following the steps outlined below, you will learn how to correct your posture and live an overall healthier lifestyle.

Though it may sound elementary to simply tell you to “practice” good posture, it truly is one of the key elements to learning how to correct your bad posture. Lean against a wall and use it as a support system for properly aligning your posture. Pull your head up until your chin is directly level with the floor. Then, push your chest slightly outwards while curving your shoulders back until your shoulder blades are lightly grazing the wall. Hold your neck directly in line with your back. Be sure to not hunch your neck forward or pull your neck up so high that your nose is turned up in the air. And finally, your rear end should be flush with the wall without being forced.

It's perfectly acceptable (and expected) to feel mildly uncomfortable and out-of-whack in this position. But, if you begin to feel your muscles straining, release any excessively rigid positioning. Contrary to common belief, your shoulders do not have to be pulled back significantly. When demonstrating correct posture, your arms will hang at your sides loosely and your elbows will be able to meet your waistline.

According to an article released by the University of Texas Health and Science Center, the best ways to improve your posture are muscle relaxation techniques, massage and stretching exercises which can be used to relieve pain and muscle tension.http://www.uthscsa.edu/mission/spring95/posture.html Leading an active lifestyle is imperative in correcting your posture.

According to Dr. Stanton, the associate professor of the Physical Therapy department of the University of Texas Health and Science Center, “People who have desk jobs should be very aware of their posture. Some postural problems are caused by structural faults. Although, most structural problems cannot be corrected, it is important to be aware of them to prevent them from causing more injury or deviation."http://www.uthscsa.edu/mission/spring95/posture.html

Straying from a sedentary lifestyle is one of the best defenses against poor posture. Consciously developing a moderately active lifestyle will help work out the muscular tension, kinks and misalignment in your shoulders and back.

Stretching exercises that relieve tension and promote alignment and flexibility, such as Yoga and Pilates should be on your to-do list. As sedentary lifestyles ultimately lead to chronic back pain and ill posture, make it a point to be active as much as you can. Park further away from the entrance, play catch with your children or even take a 30-minute walk each morning to start your day off right. Any physical activity is better than sitting down or laying in bed.

Indulge in relaxation techniques, such as acupuncture, massages or a dip in the Jacuzzi. These activities will allow you to loosen up tense muscles and, even for a brief moment, detach yourself from the stresses of life.

If you’re wearing the wrong bra size or choosing bras based on their aesthetics rather than the amount of support they provide your bosom, it’s very likely that your bra is the main culprit of your poor posture. A bra with poor support may lead to slouching, back pain, shoulder strain and a plethora of other issues that only promote poor posture. Because a change in weight or pregnancy may take place, it’s necessary to have yourself fitted for a bra at least once per year. Believe it or not, five-lbs could be the deciding factor of whether you’re wearing a 36-C or a 38-D.

It’s important to look for bras that will appropriately support your bust. Look for a standard, everyday wear support bra and a sports bra for heavy physical activity, such as running or boxing. Many women fear bras with under wire as they can poke out of the bra and begin to scratch and pinch the skin. However, if your bra is fitted appropriately, the under wire will be virtually undetectable and stay in its place.