Align Yourself for a Picture-Perfect Big Day

Ready or not, spring has sprung, summer is starting to sizzle, and the social season is upon us!  Graduations, weddings, county fair beauty pageants, charity galas and other formal occasions where we want to look our best are filling calendars.  Not to mention the interview season as recent graduates look for their first “real” job.  These events are all huge milestones in life, but that’s not the only thing they have in common – they are also moments we want to look our best!

Chiropractic can help me LOOK better?

With all the time, effort, and money we spend to ensure that we look our best for those special occasions, we often forget one thing that can be fundamental to our appearance – our posture!  More than just providing care that relieves back and neck pain, your chiropractic physician serves as your posture expert.  Poor posture can affect your appearance.  While people won’t see your spine like they see your face; if not properly aligned, the negative effects can show up in many ways.   Not only can it affect the fit of your clothing, but also may prevent you from conveying a sense of confidence and poise.

Both bridal articles and professional interview tips include insights about how posture can impact those important moments.  Keep these posture tips in mind for your next big event:

Say cheese! 

Popular bridal magazines often include articles such as “10 Tips to Remember When Posing for Wedding Photos: Professional wedding photographers share what they want couples to do (and not to do) on the big day.”  At the top of the list are relax and “Stand Up Straight”.  One of the photographers interviewed stated they always remind people to stand up straight before snapping the image.  She says: “Poor posture can make a photo look unflattering.”

Hello, my name is…

Unlike the first day of school, or your wedding day, you probably aren’t going to be getting photos taken for your job interviews, but that doesn’t mean posture doesn’t play a role. In an American Express blog “How to Look Confident: Body Language and Posture”, they offer seven tips to potential employees.  And number ONE on that list is…you guessed it… POSTURE!  “You are in control of [the message] you are sending out,” Barbara Pachter writes in her book The Essentials of Business Etiquette: “If you project a confident, credible, composed image, people will respond to you as if you are all those things.”  And let’s face it, those are the things you want interviewers to notice about you.

Wondering how to do that?  Stand with feet shoulder width apart and weight distributed equally on both legs.  Feet should angle outward and in the direction of the person to whom you are speaking.  This is a nonverbal cue that you are hearing the person’s ideas and opinions.  “This is an assertive posture,” Pachter explains. “It is a posture that projects confidence, not insecurity. You are open to the person to whom you are talking. And you can stand tall, regardless of your height.”

I’m tired…

Consider that formal occasions typically involve posing for photos… lots and lots of photos!  Immediately when the photographer starts to click away, we straighten up for the camera and those first pictures look great.  If you are not used to it though, after several minutes of holding proper posture, you may begin to feel tired, allowing your posture to suffer.  This can also be the case after the photo shoot is over and you’re celebrating your big day.

In professional settings, the first interviewer was impressed with your poise and confidence.  That landed you another interview with the department head down the hall, and another with the direct supervisor of the group, and still more meetings and introductions as you meet potential colleagues for the first time.  But after the initial meetings you begin to tire and by the end of the day, you aren’t projecting such a positive image.  It’s hard work to stand up straight with good posture so be mindful until the very last handshake.

My posture is “good enough,” no one will notice it isn’t perfect.

In addition to looking better, having good posture will help you feel better.  Poor posture, even slight misalignments, can hinder the communication of your nervous system.  As pioneer chiropractor Dr. B.J. Palmer said, “Every organ in your body is connected to the one under your hat.”  When your digestive system isn’t getting the proper signals from the brain, digestion will suffer.  If your body is not in alignment, then muscles, ligaments and tendons may be under more stress than they should be which may lead to discomfort or pain.

Consequently, when something is wrong inside your body – whether it is digestion, muscle pain or anything else – it often interferes with sleep.  Looking your best can be much more difficult if your stomach is upset, your back hurts and you haven’t slept well.

“We put so much time, money, and effort into eating clean, staying hydrated, and exercising,” says Dr. Tara Kellogg, Doctor of Chiropractic licensed in New York and Pennsylvania.  “It seems silly not to keep your nervous system functioning properly.”

How can I improve my posture?

Chiropractic physicians are experts in proper posture and can help you with tips, exercises, and other recommendations so you can look and feel your best whatever the occasion. By getting a posture check-up, your chiropractor can detect any issues that may be impacting your posture and develop a plan to help you correct them.  Chiropractic care may include spinal manipulation, therapeutic modalities, rehabilitative stretches, and postural exercises, as well as a variety of other treatments within their scope of practice.  A chiropractor may also refer you to another health care provider, if appropriate.

“Building strength and length in the external shoulder rotators. will not only give you … more endurance on the day-of, but you’ll notice the difference in candid shots as well” says Dr. Kellogg.  With strong postural muscles, you will hold a stronger posture with less effort and be able to continuously demonstrate your confidence and abilities.

What if I’ve never been treated by a chiropractor before? 

An initial visit with a chiropractic physician will involve reviewing your health history as well as a complete chiropractic physical exam, including orthopedic and neurological tests as needed, and potentially diagnostic imaging.  Your chiropractor will explain the findings of the exam and diagnostic testing.  Then, the doctor will suggest a plan of action appropriate for your specific condition and goals.  This will take into consideration your overall health and any complicating factors.  For example, does your job or another activity involve actions that may aggravate the condition and slow progress?

Do you need a spinal makeover?

Whether you are a bride-to-be, a pageant contestant, a new graduate looking to start your career, or you simply desire to look and feel your best at your next big event, schedule a spinal check-up with your chiropractor.  You’ll be a stand-out for all the right reasons and you’ll feel great, too!

If you do not have a regular chiropractor, you can find a TCA Member doctor near you here.

 

REFERENCE:

Celletti, Erin.  “How Brides Can Benefit From Going to a Chiropractor – It can make your wedding photos that much better!”  Published March 11, 2019 on Brides.com

Duffy, Gabriella Rello.  “10 Tips to Remember When Posing for Wedding Photos”  Published on brides.com 03/22/23.  Accessed 5/21/24.

Giang, Vivian.  “How to Look Confident: Body Language and Posture” Published on https://www.americanexpress.com/ Sept 9, 2022.  Accessed 5/21/24.