Back at it Again: 4 Ways to Improve Your Posture

Although most people won’t admit it, sometimes slouching feels great. And it’s so easy to fall into the habit of it, especially if you work a desk job. You may not even realize you’re slouching until you go to stand up and feel like you’ve been hit by a car.

Thankfully, there are ways to maintain and even correct bad posture, both in and out of the office. Check out our tips on how to stop being a slouch.

Taking hourly breaks is just as important as how you sit. Even if you only take a bathroom break or send a fax, getting up and aligning your spine does wonders to improve your posture. Just remember to straighten up when you stand and keep your neck and shoulders aligned over your body, not thrust forward. Posture is important whether you’re sitting or standing.

Sitting awkwardly at work isn’t the only way you wreak havoc on your spine. If you spend your time looking down at your smartphone, like most of us do, you could develop “text neck”. Instead of looking down at your phone, hold it up at eye level when you use it. This might seem funny or awkward, at first, but your neck will thank you later.

If you spend the majority of your day sitting down, what you sit in is as important as how you sit. Invest in seating that provides support and enhances the natural curvature of your spine. Keep in mind that this doesn’t only apply to office workers. Home seating, car seating, and more can all help you improve your posture if you invest a little time and money into finding the right one for you.

In addition to investing in a high-quality desk chair, how you organize your desk counts. Ergonomically speaking, make sure your desk is set up properly. Your desk should be the correct height and spaced far enough of away from your body that you can comfortably reach the keyboard without struggling. Also, keep everything you use on the daily in reaching distance.

Perfecting your posture may not be easy, but it is possible. In addition to the above tips, there are slew of exercises out there you can incorporate into your day to improve your posture. For example, if straightening up is a struggle, use your wall your wall as a guide. You should be able to slide your hand behind your back, but only slightly. If you have plenty of wiggle room, you’re not standing up straight. Make sure your feet are no more than four inches away from the wall and your neck is aligned over your shoulders. With some dedication and mindfulness, you can straighten up that back and align that spine in no time.