Posture mistakes that are ageing you fast: Don’t slouch, stand tall, strengthen your core

If you are on your desk most day, certain mistakes in your posture are making you age faster. Spending long hours slouching at your desk can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort. Leaning forward or bending your neck to use your smartphone is giving you a “text-neck”, which can cause wrinkles and sagging skin.

Standing tall and walking while elongating your spine, for example, is not only the correct posture to walk, it will also make your stride feel more confident. A strong core supports good posture and also strengthens your spine. Incorporating exercises that strengthen your core will go a long way in enhancing balance and stability even as you get older.

Here are some common everyday habits that are bad for your posture and what you can do to avoid them to look and feel more youthful, while also avoiding a whole host of age-related issues such as back pain and fatigue.

• Slouching at your desk

Spending long hours hunched over a desk is a common mistake many of us make. When you slouch, your spine is not aligned properly, which can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort. According to the American Chiropractic Association, maintaining good posture while sitting can help prevent neck and back pain. Make it a habit to sit up straight with your shoulders back and feet flat on the ground. You might also consider investing in an ergonomic chair to support your back better.

Also read | 7 ways proper posture can impact your body and mind

• Texting with poor posture

As smartphone usage increases in our daily lives, the "text neck" phenomenon can cause strain on your neck and shoulders, leading to premature ageing signs such as wrinkles and sagging skin. You don’t even realise it but you’re constantly leaning forward, neck bent, when texting or scrolling. Try to bring your phone up to eye level instead of bending your neck down to see the screen.

SpineHealth.com also recommends spending time away from your phone by using an alarm app to take breaks from handheld devices.

• Walking with a hunch

Your walking posture matters, too. A hunched walk can give off an impression of fatigue and age. An article on Healthine.com recommends “standing tall with your chin parallel to the ground” when walking. Focus on elongating your spine while you walk. Try to avoid slouching, hunching, or leaning forward, which can put stress on your back muscles. Walking with your head held high, shoulders back, and engaging your core.

• Neglecting core strength

A strong core supports your spine and helps maintain good posture. Weak abdominal muscles can lead to slouching and lower back pain. “Properly building up your core cranks up the power,” says an article on Harvard Health. A strong core also enhances balance and stability. In fact, a strong, flexible core underpins almost everything you do.”

Incorporate core-strengthening exercises like planks, bridges, and yoga into your routine to enhance your posture and overall appearance.

Also read | Cure back pain, poor posture problems with these simple home remedies

• Ignoring body language

“Posture can convey a wealth of information about how a person is feeling as well as hints about personality characteristics, such as whether a person is confident, open, or submissive,” says an article on VeryWellMind.com. Closed-off body language, like crossing your arms or hunching your shoulders, can make you seem insecure and older. Instead, practice open body language by keeping your arms relaxed at your sides or placing them on your hips. This not only improves your posture but also makes you appear more approachable and youthful.

By being mindful of how you sit, stand, and move, you can cultivate a posture that not only makes you look younger but also boosts your confidence and overall health.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.