When you're sitting at the dinner table, are you hunched over the plate like someone is trying to steal your food?

Years ago, how you stood and sat and moved was of great importance. People respected and admired those who held their heads high and kept their chins up.

The benefits of good posture
Not just a matter of appearance, good posture helps project self-confidence and dignity. It can also help prevent back and neck problems, improve breathing and aid in digestion.

To achieve and maintain good posture:
1. Stand before a full-length mirror with your feet hip-width apart and pull in your abdominal muscles like you’re putting on a tight pair of jeans. Keep your weight equally distributed on the four corners of both feet. Imagine there's a string pulling your breastbone to the ceiling and lift your rib cage. Un-round your shoulders and press your shoulders away from your ears.  Finally stretch the top of your head to the ceiling...and breathe.
2. Practice tightening your abdominal muscles and flattening your stomach. This is an almost invisible exercise you can do anywhere, anytime. Clasp your hands and press against the abdomen as you slowly draw in the muscles, flattening them as much as possible. Hold that position for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat 3 or 4 times.
3. Avoid sitting for too long. Neck and shoulder tension, worsened by hours spent at the computer, often makes us slump.