HOW DO YOU STAND?

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 226, 20 June 1936, Page 21

HOW DO YOU STAND?

Correct deportment is as important to good looks as it is to good health.

How you stand makes a great deal of difference to your appearance. Drooping shoulders, one hip raised higher than the other and lack of control at the waistline will ruin the effect of the smartest frock and is not to be counterbalanced even by a pretty face. Habit is second nature. Once the art of standing, walking and sitting gracefully lias been mastered, there will be no difficulty about being graceful always.

A correct carriage is essentia] to health, for the body is like a machine, the movements of each part reacting upon the whole. Stooping shoulders, for instance, cramp the chest and hinder deep breathing, while the habit of standing so that almost the entire weight of the body falls upon one hip not only makes the figure ungainly, but causes 1111-

natural strain upon certain internal organs.

The aim in correct breathing should be to inhale deeply and so supply the body with refreshing draughts of oxygen, and then to exhale all the stale breath. The air exhaled contains about 4 per cent, of carbonic acid. Unless the blood is purified by good supplies of oxygen, the complexion soon becomes dull and .blemished, and eyes and hair lose their brightness. A simple breathing exercise should be practised for a few minutes every day. It will help to keep the shoulders well back and the chest expanded. Stand with feet together, shoulders level and bead erect. The arms should be slowly raised until they are above the head, at the same time that a deep breath is drawn in through the nostrils. Next, lower the arms slowly to the sides, exhaling through the mouth. At other times, when not doing special exercises, all breathing must be through the nostrils. - Women who have to stand much have to guard against flat feet. Here is a useful exercise wherewith to strengthen the feet. After slipping off the shoes, rise upon tip-toes and walk so several times round the room; but be sure you choose a room with a carpet on the floor!