#55 - Take Good Care About Your Spine

Everyone gets older - it's a natural fact. Usually, when humans get to a certain age their bodies start to get weaker. In this bonus topic, I would like to point out the fundamental part of the body - the skeleton and to be more precise the spine.

I won't need to tell you how important it is to take care of the body as a whole. You can simply look at elderly people. The age will verify who had good habits and who didn't. (apart from some life randomness, of course)

You could've heard about people who remained in good shape and aged gracefully which is actually evidence of proper treatment of their own bodies.

We have talked about meditative postures, you also are committed to stretching and strengthening your body regularly, which means you are naturally better at feeling your body. It's time to move, if you haven't already, to building a habit of observing your proper posture and feeling your body through the day.

Nowadays, especially younger people are at increased risk of having problems with the spine because of the modern lifestyle. Spending many hours each day sitting in front of a computer desk, staring at the phone while curving neck. Or laying on the couch in various, different and unhealthy positions, or even sleeping on the wrong mattress. Dozens of different everyday scenarios where you put unhealthy pressure on joints and discs which can cause serious pain and lead to long-term health problems.

Bring awareness to your body, to each muscle, tendon, joint. Scan your whole body and ask yourself:

• Do I feel any tension, pain, or unrealised discomfort while sitting, standing, walking, or laying down in my current position?

• Is my whole body healthily aligned (in relatively straight position)?

Another culprit that I found is our modern furniture which makes the body hold in a destructive position, additionally to its lack of frequent movement multiplied by years.

That's why there is a power in minimalism, sitting, and sleeping on the floor force you to move more often.

Tips to protect your spine:

• Lift heavy weights correctly;

• Avoid poor posture while walking, sitting, standing;

• Listen to your body;

• Take care of your sleeping posture;

• Keep proper diet;

• Stay hydrated;

• Strengthen your core muscles;

• Stretch regularly;

• Wear spine supportive shoes;

• Maintain a healthy weight;

• Change your position often;

• Quit smoking;

• Limit alcohol use;

• Invest in an ergonomic space or sit on the floor;

• Make a habit of regular micro-breaks (good to stretch at this time);

• Build body awareness, and observe it during everyday activities;

• Enjoy regular massage sessions;

• Take your time when it comes to choosing weights that you would be carrying for longer periods of time like bags, backpacks and other properties.

You make choices every day.