How to Improve Posture?: Expert Guide

Working from home comes with many advantages; no time is wasted in commuting, people can sleep longer, access to home-cooked meals, and so on. However, there could also be disadvantages that can go unnoticed for a while, and later cause chronic health problems. One of these disadvantages is a bad sitting posture.

Here Are Ways To Correct Your Sitting Posture

1. Sit With Proper Back Support:

Many offices have ergonomically designed chairs. These chairs support the lower back and the vertebral column so that the right posture is maintained. Sitting on the bed or sofa at home lacks this same type of support as a result of which we tend to slouch while sitting. This puts pressure on the nerves and muscles causing shoulder, neck, and back pain. To avoid slouching while working, sit on a chair that provides good back support. You can use cushions to support your lower back if necessary. You could try sitting on a stool or a yoga ball and holding your back straight while you work.

2. Take A Proper Chair Height:

At home, the work surface might be too low or too high for the chair. To find out the proper height that your work surface should be, sit on the chair with your feet firmly on the floor, and bend your elbows at 90 degrees. The height of your forearms is the right height for your work surface. If this ratio is not maintained there is a strain on the arms which can cause pain in the joints and muscles right up to the shoulder. If the desk is too low you can place the laptop on a few books to increase the height. If it’s too high, you might need a higher chair, or find a lower surface.

3. Avoid Sitting For Long:

Working from home can often result in us sitting at our desks for longer periods at a stretch. This can cause the vertebrae to compress and put pressure on spinal discs and nerves. Sitting for too long can cause whole-body ache and also lead to secondary problems like slip-disc and sciatica. Set alarms at regular intervals that alert you to get up and take a walk and stretch. It’s also advisable to drink a glass of water to stay hydrated. Taking breaks also has the added advantage of letting you correct your posture if you were slouching or slipping.