Kind of Ironic
In January I began my exploration into the unknown world of social media, with the creation of the Posture Project. It has been very exciting to have had such positive feedback and know I may be inspiring health and confidence within such a limitless audience. Of course my posts and tweets all have to do with being creative with your sitting at work and school, being mindful about your “tech” time and posturing, the importance of spinal, hip and shoulder mobility, training to create strong, flexible and efficient postural muscles and helping people understand the long term health and performance risks associated with poor posture.
Before this endeavour, as a chiropractor and mom, the only time I would find myself sitting was driving to and from sporting events, watching said sporting events and, of course for The Bachelor (did I just say that?!?!). Since January though, I have spent hours researching, getting my ideas to “paper” and understanding this new social media tool and guess what that has meant for me? Sitting and “tech time” like I have not had since chiropractic collage! I find this hilariously ironic.
It does mean that I have a little more first hand experience with the challenges facing those of you whose jobs or circumstances also have you sitting and using technological devices. That forearm pain that I have seen so often in my office lately….ohhhh that is what it feels like after swiping an iPad for days on end! (And the stretch I teach my patients really does help it!) Those posture tips I have shared about putting “your tail” behind you and sitting on your sit bones….well I remind myself of it constantly when at my screen. I am putting even more focus onto my core work to ensure that I can keep it engaged for the length of time it takes me to write a blog. I alter my posture as I can to avoid too much flexion: I might lay on the floor on my stomach for a while and work on my iPad or laptop so my thoracic spine is in an extension and my head is held up or take many breaks to get up and do pectoral, hip flexor and thoracic extension stretches. Shout out to my colleague Dr. Andrew Dougans for keeping my spine well adjusted. I choose a higher table at a coffee shop so my screen is more at eye level. I take advice from that great texting video I shared and I try to remember to put myself into an organized “standing savasana” with my phone at eye level, before texting. And I am learning that I must be disciplined and limit my tech time (just like I try to teach my kids); which is funny because at the start of the project I thought it would be an effort to take time to check my Facebook and Twitter. So I get it….I really get it!
There is just so much to be gained in connection and information and inspiration on line that we must embrace it…we just also must remain connected to real life and real people and our own bodies. We own so much of the power to prevent many symptoms and “dis-ease” associated with our posturing; it just requires mindfulness and healthy daily habits.
Cheers to empowerment,
In health,
Angela