I've known this about myself for a long time and I always cringe in pictures or videos where I have to witness it first hand. I have spent time in front of the mirror too, and it's amazing how you can instantly lose about 10 pounds just by standing up straight! Nonetheless though, I usually end up in one of my famous hunched over stances.
When you are a teacher, you always get called out by your students for any small flaw or personal habit. My students have to stare at my poor horrible posture for hours on end...every single day.
A few weeks ago, I caught a group of middle school girls mocking me and making fun of the way I stand! Now I understand that these are pre-teens (and rather mean spirited ones at that) and since I'm a teacher I can handle a fair amount of gossip and rumors. However, this one was entirely too true.
Then, another student of mine (who is not mean spirited at all) innocently asked me, "Are you a hunchback?" After attempting an explanation, I realized this problem might be getting to "that" point.
So I'm trying to remind myself, "Stand up straight! Don't push your hips forward! Chin up!" I have no idea if I'm actually improving anything but I'm trying to be more conscious of it. I don't really know if there is a tangible way of measuring progress for this goal.
All I know is that I need to work on it. Better posture will have numerous benefits and perhaps save me some face with my catty middle schoolers. Any advice to help me de-slump?
Good for you Hans! A girl at my work used to use a large workout ball as her chair. It forced her to sit up straight (nothing to lean on) and gave her a core workout at the same time! I have always thought about trying it out since I sit at a desk all day, but just never have.
ReplyDeletewow, they are mean! this has me laughing thou :)
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