GETTING YOUR POSTURE BACK

It is super easy to slip and let your posture slide as you pile on all your daily duties.   Take 15 minutes to do these 5 exercises which are designed to release tension, lengthen your body and give you energy.  Go through them twice each.

1. SHOULDER ROLLS - Stand or sit in a comfortable position. As you inhale, raise your shoulders and shoulder blades to your ears. On the exhale, pull your shoulder blades down and together. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

2. RELEASING YOUR CHEST - Raise your arms to just below shoulder height with palms facing forward. Exhale as you slowly rotate both hands at the wrists so your fingers point slightly behind you. Take three to five breaths.










3. STRIDE STRETCH - Step your left foot back so it rests fully on the floor. Square your hips. With your legs straight, clasp your forearms behind your back (or hands if you're like me), exhale, and lean forward from your hips (keep your spine straight). Take three to five breaths and rise. Switch sides.








4. CHAIR SQUAT - Stand and raise your arms in front to shoulder height. Contract your arm muscles. Exhale as you bend your knees (no more than 90 degrees) and keep them over your toes. Take two breaths; stand. Repeat three times.










5. SIDE STRETCH - Touch your left hand to the side of your head. Ground both feet and guide your head to the right until you feel a stretch along the left side of your body and shoulder. Take three to five breaths. Switch sides.





The easiest place to maintain the benefits you’ll gain by doing these moves regularly, establish good posture at your desk: Sit with your back against your chair and feet flat on the floor. When you look at a computer screen, your eyes should be level with the centre of it. If they aren’t, raise or lower the monitor.