by Daniel Lucas..

Today’s mindful practice will be on posture. First, I’ll tell you what good posture is NOT. I can’t tell you how many times people get this wrong! Many of us have been handed down old-school information that needs an update. Do you think of good posture as puffing your chest out? Or that the best way to sit is super straight? When it comes to mindful posture, think ease, energy, length and longevity. If you have to think about holding your posture rigid for hours on end, it will be exhausting and eventually affect your ability to focus.

Here are a few of Nimble Fitness’ key points about mindful posture:

*Understand that posture can either give you energy or drain you.

*Posture will contribute to how you are perceived by others–as younger or older, more energetic or less.

*Mindfulness is tied to overall well-being!  Research has shown that just being mindful in your choices and actions contributes to: 1) Increased gray matter in the brain regions linked to learning; 2) Improved memory; 3) Regulated emotions and increased empathy; 4) Enhanced relationships.  And one of the biggest benefits of all—mindfulness helps reduce stress. Being mindful of your posture will reduce stress even more!

When you’re mindful, your senses are elevated! This means you will naturally notice any of your body’s “holding patterns” that negatively affect your posture, like tucking your butt too much, holding your head too far forward, or letting your upper trapezius become hunched tight.  Maybe you’re in the habit of locking your knees or standing on one leg ninety percent of the time.  If you’re a New Yorker, your heavy bag is probably tugging on your neck as you lug it around the city, which will lead to headaches or shoulder problems.

Practicing mindfulness shines the light of awareness on things, including your daily posture! Make quality posture more natural by taking action. Get up and move around if you’ve been sitting too long. Stretch on a daily basis. Get some posture coaching, personal training, massage or take a yoga class. Every day is an opportunity to be our best self–mindfulness is at the core of that positive energy.

Mindfulness is sexy!

Namaste

Daniel