You've taken my advice. You've started exercising. You've re-evaluated your diet and started making some healthy changes. You're getting more sleep at night. Great work! One more thing you can do to help improve your appearance immediately is practising good posture.
Good posture not only makes you look more confident and youthful, it also makes you look lighter. Experts say that standing up straight and tall can make you look up to 10 pounds lighter instantly. Now that's an easy diet plan everyone can follow!
Keeping your body in its natural alignment actually helps your body conserve energy. It may feel unnatural in the beginning because for years you may have been "training" your body to slouch or slump. Once your body is used to being in proper form you will experience less unnecessary strain to your neck and lower back. Proper posture can even help prevent carpel tunnel syndrome.
Practising good posture is not difficult. It requires no special equipment or training and best of all, it's absolutely free.
Some tips for good posture while you are sitting are to align your chair so your feet are flat on the floor with your knees at a 90 degree angle. Keep your back and shoulders straight and directly above your hips. Don't slouch or lean forward for prolonged periods of time. Keep your shoulder straight and level.
Good posture while standing is also important. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms hanging naturally at your sides. Keep your head aligned with your spine with your shoulders upright.
To check your posture try standing with your back against a wall. Your shoulder blades, buttocks and the back of your head should be touching the wall. For most, this will be correct posture.
So, gain some confidence and lose some weight instantly just by straightening up!
Say it! Mean it! Do it!
