Does good posture need as much attention as good diet?

[Danielj1]

hypothyroidmom.com/how-post...

having had poor posture for longer than I would wish, I have only recently made a link between this and my thyroid health.

There are a load of yoga, exercise and other experts on you tube who give advice on how to improve the neck and shoulders alignment /flexibility/strength and improve thyroid function.

So who to follow? I had a hunch to follow a daily 10 minute video approach which has changed my whole perspective on body health and self awareness - especially with all the WFH time around screens and iPhones.

All I can say is that it can be as life changing as taking supplements if you are deficient

I regret waiting so long to enjoy the new world of yoga and movement

[Jazzw]

There’s definitely something in the posture thing—although I think it might be as much about effective breathing as anything else (haven’t read the article yet—does it mention that?). People who are hunched over their phones or a laptop aren’t breathing in new oxygen effectively nor breathing out waste products. End result—subtle metabolic changes. Development of headaches for example.

Also, there’s a phenomenon where people involuntarily hold their breath while either reading an email (particularly one bringing bad news) or trying to compose one—anxiety gets in the way of breathing properly.

[Danielj1 in reply to Jazzw]

spot on and I agree - also poor posture I think changes the bone alignment and the ability of the blood vessels to have the space they need for the blood to flow effectively and keep the thyroid hormones circulating around the body

That is on one level - the other level is the sheer peace and relaxation you feel after a good yoga session and I say this as someone who played rugby in my youth with the lack of flexibility all these years later - amazingly quickly the body can still respond a little and flex a bit more which is quite a surprise

the principle is the same as taking magnesium each day - never will turn back now as it’s a core part of the daily routine …

[Jazzw in reply to Danielj1]

I’ve got out of the habit of taking magnesium daily recently—I really must get back to it. Thanks for the reminder!

[mstp in reply to Danielj1]

why take magnesium every day?

[Zazbag in reply to mstp]

It has many benefits but especially for sleep

[babsi]

I do Pilates since a year now, and I feel so much better! Just once a week, but I am more flexible and have no more back pain.

I am 65.

[Danielj1 in reply to babsi]

youtu.be/g_tea8ZNk5A(Not working as expected?)

Babsi, what do you think of this approach - found it from a random search and can’t stop doing it - gentle and lovely music to my ears ?

[radd]

Danielj1,

To improve posture, lie on your back with head supported on a pillow and place a yoga block (a cushion works ok, a bolster works better) under your upper back (between the shoulder-blades).

This has the effect of opening your heart and gently allowing shoulders to fall back. When you stand up you will feel a few inches taller. 

[JessicaH in reply to radd]

You can also use a very full hot water bottle, which has the benefit of the heat helping to relax tense muscles in the area between the shoulder blades and has just enough 'give' to be really comfortable. Experiment with the right amount of heat that suits you?

[radd in reply to JessicaH]

JessicaH

Beautiful idea 😍

[Hedgeree]

Bad posture is something that I've had for many years without even realising that I had. For myself mine has come about due to a lack of self confidence and almost cowering when I'm in a public place, the desire to be invisible (which seems ridiculus when I type it) it's only relatively recently when I've had a few comments that I've tried to become more aware of how I stand and move about.

Unfortunately my posture has been this way for most of my life so trying to move with my head up feels very alien to me but I'm going to try and change. I don't feel any discomfort physically it's all emotional.

Interesting the connection to thyroid health and metabolism.

Thanks for posting.

[dunestar]

In my opinion the Feldenkrais method is the way to go for addressing postural issues. It's gentle yet effective. It can work purely on a physical level but also addresses the kind of emotional issues which Hedgeree mentions. With "good" posture all your organs have the space to work optimally.

[Hedgeree in reply to dunestar]

That sounds interesting dunestar. I'll have a search for that later as not heard of the Feldenkrais method before.

[Sparklingsunshine]

Hi

I've been paying a lot more attention to my posture recently. I'm pretty short sighted without my specs and over the years I've developed a terrible habit of poking my neck forward when I'm reading or using the ipad.

This puts tremendous strain on the neck. And increases the load it has to take by 4 times at least. I have hypermobility as well,my neck is ridiculously bendy but the downside is lack of strength and rigidity. So I'm trying chin tucks which my physio gave me which strengthen the neck muscles. And trying to remember not to stick my chin forward. It's hard breaking a habit of a lifetime. I'm also using YouTube for neck exercise ideas for hypermobility.

[Danielj1]

I am finding my neck wants to extend much of the time by default and a feeling of lengthening is initially wierd but calming - mainly because as the chest opens up and becomes more flexible it is possible to breathe more easily and deeply

This is for life for me now - can’t possibly go back to the stoop of old - a look in the mirror to remind me is scarey now …

[babsi]

were you able able to impove your posture

[Danielj1]

I have not done a before and after photo that I think would show things more definitively- but general awareness all the time to stand and sit tall - and able to really enjoy tough weights sessions without pain I guess - realise I have to keep it up and not drift back !