But the truth is, most of us could do with some posture improvement. Some of us have huge, heavy boobs we’re trying to contend with. Or maybe you have a heavy work bags you’re compensating for lugging around. Whatever the reason, having good posture is not as hard as you might think. Here’s an easy to accomplish list of ways to improve your posture right now. After all, you’re a queen — don’t you want to wear your invisible crown? The American Chiropractic Association recommends keeping your head level — ear lobes over your shoulders, meaning don’t jut your chin out or drop your head backwards. Repeating the nursey rhyme as a way to remind yourself to check your head positioning during the day can make a big difference in how your posture looks… and feels. So think about how you stand, and how you walk throughout the day. Gently correct yourself with each step. You’ll be walking taller in no time! For the rest of your day, keep your hips even by standing on both feet — that means your hips stay balanced, and the rest of your body doesn’t have to compensate for a dropped hip. Dropped hips can mean lower back pain. Nobody wants that. Balance is an overall game. One little cog out of the wheel, and the whole things goes wrong. Even though it might feel like work to retrain those muscles in your upper back, in the long run, having nice posture actually prevents muscle fatigue, because now the other muscles in your body don’t have to compensate for any weaknesses elsewhere! That means stick your boobs out if you’ve got ’em! It’s about balance. Don’t swing your arms like a windmill. Don’t stiffen your arms rod-straight. Let your movement in your body flow easily. Good posture is often about less stress in the bod. So don’t stress about it. Take a few breaths in and out. This is your stance. Try just watching yourself and remembering this. Your body is now stacked in alignment. Try to re-align throughout the day. Rely on your abdominals to keep your body strong, and pull your belly in (but not to the point that you’re holding your breath). But if you catch yourself letting your stomach hang so that your back arches just do a quick snap back so that you feel your spine lengthen again. To help your posture, go for a side-sleeping arrangement. I know, it’s not the same. But your body will thank you! Invest in supportive pillows that conform to your shape, rather than propping your neck up unnaturally. This can cause kinks and shoulder stiffness. If you’re a side sleeper, a nice buckwheat pillow can alleviate stress in the neck by providing some sturdy support. Or you can really dig into some dreamy sleep with a memory foam gift from the gods. These puppies can get expensive, so try the Shredded Memory Foam pillow with bamboo back cover from Good Life Essentials and save some dough. Other possible influences include: Shakira, Joan of Arc, Patty Mayonnaise, Kamala Harris, Audre Lord, and ARETHA FRANKLIN (rest in power, queen). The impact of a power stance (that’s a totally real term that I regretfully did not just make up) can change your posture and your self-esteem. REALLY. It also changes how people perceive you. So stand with authority. You deserve it. In fact are hips are the hub of some serious work in our anatomy. Sandwiched between our upper and lower body, the hips bear a lot of weight and tight hip flexors (front side of your connective tissue between your groin and belly) can meet tight hamstrings and lower back problems. And that means poor posture. So when you’re standing at long stretches, make sure you rock your weight from the back of your foot to the front. Better posture and less tired legs await! Heels? Cramped toes. Sandals? Collapsed arches. Best bet is for something roomier, with a supported arch, and a gentle heel cushion. Because there’s no way to stand tall if your feet aren’t correctly supported! So let it go. Take your shoulders out of your ears. Unfurrow your brow. Unclench your jaw. It’s all good. You’re stunning and magnificent and you look great. Now lift your chin. Drop your shoulders. Lengthen your spine. Your posture is perfect, queen. Go forth and conquer.
