Posture

I've had back problems for quite some time but when I sat down and stayed seated for most of the pandemic, my posture got so much worse. Yoga helped a bit but getting rid of the sizable hump and my rounded shoulders takes more focused action. I stumbled over this YouTube video and am following along every morning. I also bought the 30 Day Posture Makeover app from the people who made the video.

So the tough exercises on the video worked. The first week was exhausting but as always it has become easier with time. After 60 days so far my posture has improved and keeping my spine straight has become a lot easier. The exercises are part of my morning routine now so this project turned into a habit!

A black and white water bird perches on a railing.

I practice:

relaxing
being aware of my posture
stretching out my chest and neck
exercising my back to even out muscle imbalances

A brown seal sleeps on a bed of brown and yellow sea weed.

I learned:

rounded shoulders are caused by tight chest muscles
forward head posture leads to a neck hump (fat deposits around your spine to protect it)
to hold my phone, kindle or book a few inches higher while I read and look down with my eyes to avoid pushing my head forward
the key to good posture is stretching out tight muscles so my body can relax into its naturally upright position