I feel like everyday I’m reminded about the drawbacks of our modern technology. “It’s killing us!” “It’s making us less social and more conceited!” “People who use instagram are weird!” (lol iamtho ;3)

I just try to ignore it. I think everything is okay in moderation and you have to live a little to flex your life force.

That being said, there are definitely some negative consequences from smart phone use. One of those is posture. That dreaded slouch is harder to fight everyday when you need to look at your tiny phone screen. And if you work at a desk you’d better kiss your precious straight posture goodbye. I’ve spent the last five years working a desk job, so the neck strain is real with this one.

Stretches for Your Posture

I cannot stress how important stretching is to the longevity of your health and beauty. Stretching should be meditative and relaxing. It’s easy to mess up too; I watch people “stretch” to their stress point and push hard for 5 seconds. >___< If you’re looking to rip up your muscles, do that. If not, do some of these with me:

Stand up straight by curling your tailbone in and letting your spine straighten to follow. Relax your shoulders. Take a deep breath, count to five and let your shoulder blades slowly come down to a comfortable position. Now, look to your left and hold it for 5 seconds. Slowly return your head to center. Look to your right and hold it for another 5 seconds. Return your head to center. Now shrug your shoulders like you want them to touch your ears. Hold this for five seconds and let them slowly fall back into place. 

Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Bring your hands together in the center of your chest like you are praying. Gently push together on your palms and raise your arms above your head. Hold for 10 seconds while looking up. When you’ve gone as far up as you can go, make a gun with your hands, lower your arms and point your fingers forward. Now point your gun to the left, keeping your body upright and straight. Then turn and point your gun to the right. 

Lie flat on your back. Feel your shoulder blades rest on the ground and straighten your neck. Place your palms under the back of your head for support, as if you are about to do a sit up. Tuck your chin in and gently lift your head a few inches off the ground to stretch your neck. Hold it here for 5 seconds and slowly lower your head back to the ground.

Three Useful Tips

Do not walk and use your phone, unless it’s a bluetooth call. You’re throwing out your balance when you try to look down and type while in motion. We weren’t made for that.

Cup your phone with one hand and type with the fingertips of  your other hand. This protects your joints from carpal tunnel.

Practice awareness. Team up with a close friend and warn each other when you start slouching. I always ask someone I am close with to let me know what I am letting my posture go. It’s helped me notice certain trends in times when I slouch, and it helps me to stop.

I hope these tips and stretches make your day a little nicer. If you’re like me and you always need to take it to the next step, join a local yoga group. Yoga is amazing for the mind and body. You won’t understand until you go!

xoxo,
Passion