Good posture can do wonders, from enhancing one’s appearance (and confidence) to improving overall health. Good posture helps us function well, lessens stress and strain on joints, and wards off fatigue. Ideally, developing good posture should start at an early age. Maintaining good posture means knowing what correct posture is. A lot of people are challenged by poor posture because certain lifestyles and work-related tasks involve sitting for long hours.

Better Your Sitting Posture

Good sitting posture requires that feet should be flat on the floor with the back of your buttocks against the back of the chair. You should be as upright as possible without overcompensating, and armrests of your chair should be between 70 and 90 degrees to help keep you upright. Holding a good sitting posture can help prevent lower back pain and related muscle tightness.

Better Your Standing Posture

To ensure that you have good standing posture, stand against a wall with the back of your head, shoulders, buttocks and the back of your heels touching the wall. You can maintain it by visualizing yourself as a marionette with a string on top of your head. Draw yourself up as tall as possible and be conscious of it. Proper standing posture protects your spine and guards against weakening and shortening of the muscles.

Be Aware and Start Now

Both men and women are challenged by the same posture issues and it gets harder to improve as one gets older. Years of incorrect sitting and standing make muscles shorter and weaker and you will observe that you feel easily fatigued if you stand and sit up straight for a period of time. However, as you get used to it, maintaining correct posture becomes second nature. Maintaining good posture offers many benefits in terms of appearance and muscular and skeletal health. Taking steps to correct errors in your posture now will ensure that you'll have lesser aches and pains when you get older. It is said that standing up straight makes other people perceive you as ten pounds lighter - an added bonus which many of us can hardly disregard.

Gaining weight during the holidays is an expected seasonal hazard for many individuals. Holiday indulgences are everywhere, and fending off the temptations can be a serious discipline.

The countless rounds of holiday parties make weight maintenance at this time of year a must. Take in the following 8 strategies to greet the New Year without an expanded waistline.

1. Plan Eating and Exercise
Experts suggest creating a plan for eating and exercise, as well as a reminder system to ensure that you follow through. Put notes or pictures in strategic places where you'll be sure to see them.

2. Small Servings
You need not be deprived of the holiday treats that you're sure to be bombarded with during the holidays. The trick is to have just a little of everything. Portion control is key to minimize weight gain during the holidays.

3. Choose Your Treats
Before partying, plan ahead which holiday food you're going to indulge in. There'll be a lot of temptations like rich dishes, sweet treats, and extra drinks. Just choose wisely and enjoy it. 

4. Get Moving
Lack of activity and rich holiday food make the perfect combination for weight gain. Short 10 to 15 minute sessions of activity, like walking, shoveling snow, or lifting weights, three times a day works just as well as a 45 minute workout. Think of these as a way to combat holiday stress and to make up for the extra calories you consumed.

5. Take Control
You certainly cannot control the type of food at any event, but you can bring your discipline to the table. To fend off those urges and temptations, try these tips:

• Stay away from the buffet table.
• Wear form fitting clothes to remind you that you've eaten enough.
• Chew sugarless gum after you've finished eating.

6. Be Prepared
Don't go to an event hungry, thirsty, or tired. It sets you up for over-indulgence and poor judgment. Eat a healthy snack like whole grains, fresh fruit or low fat yogurt before hitting the event. In addition, thirst is often confused with hunger, so stay hydrated. 

7. Avoid Grazing
Often, we think that food eaten standing up or picked out from a tray doesn’t count, but it does. It is best to sit down and savor the food you've decided to enjoy rather than grazing continuously the whole time. Use a smaller plate if you want to control portions better. 

8. Limit Alcohol
Liquid calories are still calories. Besides, alcohol reduces willpower and can later stimulate appetite. Establish your limits and make you can stick with it.

You can avoid holiday weight gain if you really put your mind to it. Enjoy the delights of the season but stay committed to your weight maintenance plan.