Something to Smile About: The Positives of Perfect Posture

By Jill Feilmeier on November 11, 2014 in Healthy Living

Slouchy may be a good look for boots and boyfriend jeans, but it's not a good look for your posture. Standing or sitting in the right position affects more than your looks – it can impact your body and smile.

Posture may affect jaw alignment.

In recent years, researchers have shown an increasing interest in the relationship between body posture, dental bite and problems with the jaw joints. Although at this time it's not advisable to treat posture problems by adjusting your bite or vice versa, we can all agree that a healthy smile and an upright posture projects confidence.

Proper posture makes a healthy back.

Good posture keeps all of your body parts supported and balanced. When your body slumps, your spine does too. This can cause your vertebrae to deteriorate over time. By practicing proper posture, you're preventing muscle aches and back pain – all while keeping your spine in-check.

Good posture = increased confidence = bigger smile.

Not only do you look more confident when you stand up straight, you feel more confident. A recent study found that when you stand in a posture of confidence, your hormones respond accordingly. Good posture can also generate positive thoughts and increased energy levels. And finally, one last bonus for the ladies and gents: Proper posture can make you look 10 pounds slimmer!

Think of yourself as pasta and cook yourself backwards. Go from limp noodle to uncooked noodle with these quick posture tips: 

• If standing, your ears, shoulders, hips knees and ankles should all line up. Double-check your stance by using a mirror.
• If sitting, your hips should line up with your ears. If you're looking at a computer, your eyes should be level with the center of the screen.
• If you need a quick posture fix, pull your shoulder blades back and down.
• Keep your stomach muscles tight. An engaged core makes a straighter body.

Repeat these movements regularly and soon you'll break your bad posture habits. After all, practice makes perfect (posture).