Let’s talk about posture. We all know that it’s important, yet it remains one of those things that’s easier to say that we’re going to fix than it is to actually fix it. Poor posture is never good for the body, but if you combine that with being stagnant during your eight-hour workday—whether you’re sitting or standing—you’ve got the perfect recipe for back, neck and shoulder pain. But, posture doesn’t just affect us physically; it affects us mentally, too.
You may have been told that smiling, even if you don’t feel like it, can actually make you feel happier and more positive overall. This same idea applies to posture. Studies have shown that improved posture can contribute to feeling happier, having more energy and being more productive. A rather simple change appears to have a lot of benefits.
With all of these advantages, we don’t need another reason to start improving our posture. But, it takes some practice to turn it into a lasting habit. So, how do we practice? First, let’s cover the basics. Avoid slouching the back and shoulders and lowering the neck. Or, if you’re standing, avoid swaying the lower back. Generally, it’s best to keep a neutral spine, which may vary slightly from person to person. Aside from that, however, it turns out that the best way to maintain optimal posture is by moving more and changing things up. This goes back to the idea that it’s not just sitting for hours at a time that negatively impacts health; standing does, too. The problem? Being stagnant. If you hold the same stance for an extended amount of time, eventually it’s going to become uncomfortable and no longer good for the body. Moving more, encourages changes in posture position, naturally. It also helps with focus by avoiding the inevitable antsy feeling associated with inactivity. So, along with feeling happier and more energized, you’re also more focused, all which leads to increased productivity. But, if you have an office job that requires regularly working at a computer, it may seem difficult to keep up the movement and therefore achieve better posture. However, it can be easier than you might think. Now, more than ever, there are ways to work around your work, thanks to ergonomic furniture like chairs and sit-stand desks.
Whether you sit occasionally or all day, choosing the right chair for you is one important step you can take to improve your posture. Ergonomic chairs are designed and built to provide the right comfort and support. Many of them are also highly customizable, so they cater to you and your unique preferences. There are also chairs and stools that make it easier to alternate between sitting and standing, keeping you moving more. These pair perfectly with sit-stand desks.
Sit-stand desks can be beneficial for anyone who works at a computer. And, to accommodate varying workspace needs, there are different types of desks available. These desks allow you to effortlessly raise or lower the height with the pull of a lever or the push of a button to adjust to the appropriate level for sitting or standing, so it always moves with you.
To learn more about sit-stand desks and how to choose the right one for you, take a look at our other blog post, “How to choose a standing desk before buying”.
Making little changes can improve posture. And, better posture can lead to positive outcomes. With an ergonomic workspace, a little practice and a bit more movement, you’ll have all the right tools for achieving better posture and increased productivity.