You’re not alone if you’ve noticed your neck and shoulders feeling tense lately. Whether you’re active or have been observing your family members’ poor posture whilst on their devices, paying attention to these areas is essential. In today’s busy world, it’s easy to overlook how much we rely on our neck and shoulder muscles, but a little mindfulness can go a long way.
A Lesson from the Sea:
Just the other day, my husband returned from his swim, huffing and puffing excitedly. He had just met a French tourist who, after a 1 km swim, was casually doing his Pilates arm and neck exercises on his SUP board. With a blasé attitude, my husband remarked, “Oh, hello! Are you doing Pilates? My wife is always after me to do my Pilates arm exercises because my neck and shoulders hurt when I swim long distances.”
This encounter perfectly demonstrates that we all need to counterbalance repetitive sports movements or prolonged out-of-balance neck postures (such as having your nose in your device) with exercises that relieve neck strain and bring the structure back into alignment. Whether you’re a swimmer or not, neck and shoulder pain is something 8 out of 10 people experience, including children.
Better Posture for Eye Longevity
This summer, a family member, a working mom, told me how her mother kept sending her articles about the dangers of children spending too much time on devices and was worried about her 10-year-old son’s screen time. This conversation reminded me of my niece and nephew and countless other children who spend much time on their devices.
As a Pilates teacher, I suggested a simple solution: teach your child to lean their head back against the chair while using their tablet. This small adjustment can make a big difference. In a workshop I attended, the late Kelley highlighted how forward neck posture can strain nerve attachments connected to the eyes and spinal cord, potentially harming eyesight over time. This advice isn’t just for kids—it’s for all of us because we’re all using devices more than ever.
A Simple Step for Long-Term Health
So, next time you pick up your phone or sit down at your computer, take a moment to check in with your posture. Lean back, relax your shoulders, and give your neck the support it needs. This small awareness can contribute to better posture and, importantly, the longevity of your eyesight.
