Easily Improve Your Posture at the Office
By Sara Butler
You spend 40 hours or more per week at work, so what you do while you’re there is pretty darn important. If you have an office job, how you sit at your desk can have a huge impact on your spinal health as well as your overall health. Here are some tips from your friendly chiropractor at The Joint to set you straight while you’re at work all day.
Adjust Your Office Chair
No matter if you have a hand-me-down office chair or the Mercedes Benz of the office chair world, how you sit in it makes a huge difference. You need to make sure you’re sitting up straight and that your body is level with the floor. Use the chair back to support your lower back, which can help you to avoid low back pain. If you need to roll up a towel or shirt to place between your back and the chair, then do it for added support.
Remember that sitting for prolonged periods of time, even with perfect posture, will take its toll on your body. Take a few minutes at least once every hour to move around, stand up, and stretch.
Keep Your Feet Firmly on the Floor
Many people will naturally cross their ankles or tuck their legs under them while they’re sitting. Any way you’re sitting that doesn’t place your feet firmly on the ground is wrong and can lead straight to back problems. If you find this is a problem for you, try a stool or a standing desk.
Modify Your Computer Screen
Where is your computer screen? If it’s anywhere except at eye level directly in front of you, then you need to correct its position! It should be at arm’s length, with the top of the screen at the level of your eyes. If the screen is too high or low, then you’ll eventually strain your neck by looking up or down for long periods of time every day.
These tips will get you started on the right (and left) foot when it comes to your posture in the office. Correcting your poor posture habits isn’t something that’s going to change overnight, but you can make an impact by making an effort every day. If you need suggestions for the best ways to accomplish this, discuss them with your chiropractor at The Joint!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.