Postural Tips For Working From Home And Sitting For Prolonged Periods

Posture is defined as the position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting.

Good posture leads to the correct positioning of our body which results in fewer injuries.

However, sitting for prolonged periods every day can lead to injury, pain and weakened muscles among other things so here are some tips to combat that.

Uncross your legs - crossing your legs can lead to misalignment. Sit with your feet hip distance apart with them flat on the floor (or use a foot rest if you have little legs like me!)

Pull back your shoulders - your shoulders are the building blocks of your posture. Become aware of creating space between your shoulders and ears. This will also help relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, which can cause headaches.

Get up and move around - sitting for long periods creates tense hip muscles and weak glutes which affect posture.

Notice your head position - if you poke your neck out to look at a screen or to drive, tuck your chin in, make sure your head is level and never cradle your phone between your ear and shoulder - definitely asking for trouble that one. 

Take more notice of your posture - standing in a queue, at your laptop, eating a meal or even on the loo, take notice of when you start to slump and straighten up again.

When driving - sit tall with your bottom firmly in the back of the seat and shoulders down then alter your rear-view mirror. If you can no longer see through it, don't alter the mirror but sit up tall again.

When walking - look straight ahead, shoulders relaxed, chest open and tummy drawn in. You'll be amazed how much better you feel (and look!

Lauren Waterworth