Look 10 lbs. Thinner In Just a Few Minutes

Nobody wants to slouch but some of the things we do all the time like taking care of young children, using a computer, and texting can have a negative effect on our posture if we're not careful.

Correct posture can take 10 or more lbs. off your appearance and make you more confident. It also attracts more attention to you in general so if you don't want to be noticed, just slouch a little bit more over your phone and see if you can make the world go away.

But if you feel like interacting with actual people and looking your best, here's a trick:

Stand up now, locate your rib cage and touch your two bottom ribs as close to mid body as you can get. In between those ribs, you should feel a soft spot that is your diaphragm.

Now, push that area out in front of you when you stand and walk. I know, I know...... it feels silly and awkward at first, but see if you can find the spot where you feel more upright than you usual and your elbows, at rest, hang behind your arched back. When you hit the sweet spot you'll feel your rib cage lift and your spine straighten.

Look in the mirror for your proof that you look at least 10 lbs thinner and a little bit taller, too! Plus you look ​​extra confident in that position. Now try walking that way as you go about your day. Notice how people react to you now. Is it different?

So now that you know what it feels like to stand up straight, here are a few yoga exercises to do that will help keep you standing up straight even as you age.

One last idea for you, Smile and you'll also look 10 years younger. Try these tips now and love yourself a little bit more! You deserve it!

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY! She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human dev from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI and is the founder of early childhood rocks, a non-profit org dedicated to creating change through early childhood education.