All forms of exercise can potentially strain your breast tissue that may cause pain, discomfort and the dreaded sagging. But did you know that exercise is not the only activity that can cause these problems? Here’s a list of other day-to-day activities that surprisingly can cause long-term breast issues.
Sleeping on Your Stomach
I have bad news for you, belly sleepers. You may want to consider switching positions when hitting the sack at night. Sleeping on your stomach can put unnecessary pressure on your breasts, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Try sleeping on your back or side instead to take the pressure off.
Not Getting Enough Exercise
And you thought it was just excessive exercise that caused breast strain. Not getting enough exercise can lead to saggy breasts because the chest muscles deteriorate when left dormant for long durations. Doing strength training exercises tone chest muscles, making your twins perkier. So if you don’t want your breasts to sag so much and too soon, make sure to get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week.
Wearing a Seatbelt
Who knew that protecting yourself from deployed airbags is actually bad for your own air bags? Despite the fact that seatbelts are mandatory for your safety, they can actually be hard on your breasts. The straps can put pressure on your breasts, which can lead to pain and discomfort. This is more likely to happen during long drives or if your car has a narrow seat belt. To prevent this from happening, make sure you adjust the straps so that they’re not too tight, and try to loosen them up whenever possible. If you’re going on long drives, make sure to take several breaks.
Lifting Heavy Bags
If you’re carrying a heavy bag – whether it’s a purse, laptop or nappy bag – make sure you’re not putting all the weight on one shoulder. Carrying a heavy bag on one side can cause your shoulders to rotate, which can lead to pain in your chest and breast tissue. Try carrying the bag in front of you instead, with both hands. If that’s not possible, use a backpack so the weight is evenly distributed. You should also consider using a pram, so you don’t have to strain your chest too much.
Pregnancy and Nursing
Pregnancy and nursing are natural processes that can take a toll on your breasts. The added weight and fluctuating hormones can cause changes in your breast tissue, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Make sure you’re wearing a supportive bra and maintaining good posture to help alleviate some of the strain. There are a lot of options available for expecting and nursing mothers. There are sports bras that can fit you well while still giving your newborn easy access to your breast milk.
In order to keep your breasts healthy, it’s important to be aware of how your everyday activities can impact them. From choosing the right bra to getting enough exercise, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent pain and keep your breasts healthy. So don’t neglect your girls – give them the attention they deserve!
If you’re not sure what sports bra size or sports bra type to buy, it’s a good idea to get fitted by a professional. Many sporting goods stores have trained staff who can help you find the right bra. Online shops like Sports Bras Direct have an online sports bra size calculator as well as a bra finder so you don’t have to physically go to the store. Once you’ve found a bra that fits well and provides adequate support, make sure to wash it after each use to extend its life.