“Good posture can be successfully acquired only when the entire mechanism of the body is under perfect control,” says Joseph Pilates, inventor of the Pilates Method of Physical Fitness.

How do you bring the mechanism of your body under control? You can do it by maintaining the right posture while performing activities that could be as simple as sitting or standing.

You may have heard your parents or lecturers frequently ask you to watch the way you carry your posture. But how often have you followed it? An ignorant attitude towards your posture today could cause you trouble later on in life.

Let’s save you this trouble by taking a look through some dos and don'ts concerning our daily activities, shall we?

It is easy to lose your straight posture when you sit for a long time, once you get comfortable with where you are sitting. You may begin sitting erect, which eventually follows with you hunching to and then sliding on the couch. This may feel comfortable at the time; however, it could cause serious back issues for you in the long run.

Here are a few dos and don’ts you need to remember while trying to sit correctly:

Don’t sit with your legs crossed. Keep your feet flat on the floor as you sit. This supports your body posture by keeping it firm.

Avoid hunching or slumping forward in your chair. Adjust the backrest of your chair and use a lumbar pillow when necessary.

Try not to sit for long periods as it may eventually lead you to slouch. Take breaks to stretch and stand before you continue sitting.

Unlike sitting, you may not find yourself slouching as you stand unless you have been standing for an extended period. Standing in a slouched posture gives off an unappealing look and affects the way people perceive you.

Here are a few ways in which you can build and maintain a good posture:

Don’t lock your knees while standing. Instead, keep them slightly bent to support your body weight on both feet equally.

Don’t extend your stomach outward, which could happen if you do not stand straight. Stand straight and tall with your shoulders pulled backward.

Maintain your head posture by keeping it in level with your earlobes in line with your shoulders.

Many people know the importance of sitting and standing straight but fail to understand the importance of maintaining a good posture as we sleep. Many of you may have noticed your body aching if you had slept in a wrong position through the night.

To avoid those aches and sleep in a good posture through the night, here’s what you need to do:

Don’t sacrifice the quality of the mattress for a cheaper alternative. Instead, find a good firm quality mattress and will support your back well.

Don’t sleep on your stomach unless otherwise directed. Always sleep on your side or your back.

Avoid sleeping on multiple pillows. Sleep with a comfortable pillow that supports the natural curve of your spine.

Have you noticed your posture while you walk? Is it straight? Do you slouch as you do it? You must maintain a straight posture when you walk to avoid injuries of any kind.

A few dos and don'ts, you need to keep in mind:

Don’t lean backward or forward while walking. Keep your hips and shoulders aligned.

Do keep your head up with shoulders down and back. Avoid looking down or slouch.

Don’t wear high heels or shoes that are too tight. Wear comfortable shoes that have the right arch and heel support.

Holding and maintaining a good posture enhances the mechanism of your body control. The first step towards this is to gain awareness of your posture and understand what needs to get better. The next step is to correct your posture consciously. When you keep following up with this, your brain will start absorbing your postural habits to the subconscious, and that will help you attain an ideal posture for yourself.