Corrective Posture While Driving
By
Ashley Osier
MA, HHE, CPS, CSMT, CAMT, CAYT, CWHP
~ Holistic Wellness for Mind, Body, and Spirit ~
I can't tell you how many people I have noticed driving with poor posture. It is a bummer to be stuck in a car during a long commute to work or stuck on a plane during the holidays, but it makes it worse when you slump, stick your head forward, or hike your shoulders up to your ears, clench your jaw and furrow your brows. Now I know driving is not relaxing for a lot of people, so consider this list and see if you get any benefits from practicing some of these:
1. Breathe slow and deep
2. Play only music that is relaxing, uplifting, inspirational, fun
(no violent, angry, swearing, etc. lyrics)
3. Keep your posture lifted
4. Wear a smile...just a little one
5. Relax your eyebrows and jaw
6. Drop your shoulders
7. Keep your thoughts kind, content, and positive
8. Have your tennis ball handy to lean on to relax any tight back muscles
9. Don't get distracted by your phone
10. Practice corrective posture techniques like the following video
To show just how simple and quick adjusting your posture can be, watch this short video to remind yourself of what to do to correct your posture and keep your core engaged while driving.
Whatever seat you are finding yourself in for an extended amount of time, your body is being impacted. When I am working with clients and students, I remind them to use stop lights, stop signs, subway stops, bus stops, etc. as a timer to check their posture. When at the computer, for example, you can set a timer on your computer or your phone to go off at specific intervals of time. There are too many options available right now to let this wellness opportunity pass you by. You can check out some of the information about what is being called the "sitting disease" at sitting disease to encourage you further. You definitely don't want your health to deteriorate because you are sitting without being aware of corrective posture techniques or because you are not taking breaks. Take better care of yourself by taking breaks to stretch when sitting for extended times, but at minimum make sure that your posture is a priority.
Ashley Osier is a holistic health educator and therapist, stress management therapist, corrective posture and exercise specialist, an acupressure and massage therapist, stretching, massage, acupressure, and self-acupressure instructor and creator of the Point Release™ Technique and StretchFit™ Method. She specializes in working with stress management, injury prevention and pain relief, therapeutic stretching for individuals and couples, and posture awareness. She also offers coaching in nutrition and support for women going through divorce. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting her at ewsomatherapy@gmail.com.
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