My 'posture?'!!!

[HaveAGoodDay]

I really wasn't sure where to post this!

My OH has been on at me lately for the way I stand/walk!

I know what he means by it, but I can't help it! Basically my shoulders are up near my ears. I walk with my shoulders up, I sit at home with them up, most of the time I don't realise I'm doing it but I'm trying to be one more aware and put my shoulders down.

I tell him I walk like it outside because in cold! He says its because I'm not confident. And that I look down, not up. I suffer terribly with frequent migraines, so I guess he's trying to get me to relax my shoulders instead of me tensing them upwards. I suppose I've been like this for a long time. I hate to think what I look like, it's bad enough, and with my shoulders up its as if I still have my coat hanger in my coat!

Obviously as he's been on at me, I've become more conscious about it so I've been trying to think if my shoulders are 'down' all the time! I'd be the first to admit I need to unwind a bit more but it doesn't come naturally for me. Smiling & happiness isn't easy for me, I have to work at it! I think I have bitchy resting face too!

Does anyone else carry their shoulders high? Or have any tips on relaxing them?

What an odd thing for him to pick on.

What about yoga/Pilates/Alexander technique?

I do a type of yoga called Scaravelli, inspired by a teacher called Vanda Scaravelli. It is brilliant for working on exactly this kind of problem. If you google Scaravelli yoga and your town/are you should be able to find out if there is a teacher near you.

yoga and regular massage.

and yes, relaxing my shoulders reduces the frequency of my migraines. it is worth the effort.

Book a course of Alexander technique it will really help.

Thank you for your replies!

Will google with interest :)

Do you grind your teeth? At night? Your OH would know even if you don't.
Is your head way in front of you when you are walking?
These are often tied in with in 'bunched high' shoulders.
And all of them are a sign of tension - for whatever reason.

Holding your shoulders high puts a strain on your upper back and neck, mainly. It may well contribute to your headaches.

Physiotherapy, massage (proper one, not a lovely feathery-strokery one from a beautician), Alexander Technique are all good for helping with this.

It's not a good way to hold yourself longterm and is worthwhile sorting.

Pacific - I'm quite sure I don't grind my teeth at night, like you said, my OH would be the one to know, however he's a really heavy sleeper & often falls asleep straight away, before me & I usually have to elbow him during the night because of his loud snoring!

Your dentist can also tell whether you grind your teeth - worthwhile asking whenever you next go IMO.