Why your posture matters

June 22, 2018

Over time, sitting in poor postures can generate stresses throughout the body which can create pain and discomfort. From internal audits at virgin money it has shown how large amounts of employees suffer with musculoskeletal complaints due to sedentary behaviours, prolonged sitting and poor postures. Lower back pain equates to nearly 2/3’s of the staff, neck affecting 53%, shoulder affecting 38% and wrist affecting 33%

Benefits of a good posture:

• Maintains strong and healthy joints
• Helps to prevent lower back and neck pain
• Improved respiration, allowing you to breath more freely which will keep you feeling more relaxed and calm
• Reduced stress and improved energy levels
• It is reported that you look more attractive to others, feel more confident and feel better within yourself
• Increased productivity and approachability to others

A Good Posture:

• Sit well back in the chair making sure your lower back is well supported by the support of the chair.
• Rest the fleshy part of your forearms on the desk with your elbows at 90 degrees.
• Imagine a string attached to your head, pulling upwards.
• Shoulders relaxed slightly back and down— not hunched up, relax the upper muscles.
• Thighs should be supported and feet flat on the floor.
• Do not cross your legs or lean to one side.
• If you are primarily computer based. Have your computer in front of you, not to the side.
• Your hips should be higher than your knees, with your feet flat on the floor
• Pull your chair in as close to the desk as possible, ensure the screen is one arm’s length away from you

Posture TOP TIPS:

• Change your position every 30-60 minutes, regularly move away from your desk
• Increase your exercise levels and reduced sedentary activity
• Regularly assess and correct how you are sitting throughout the day, you’ll be surprised how quickly you go back to old habits
• Trial with a lower heel or no heel, this can increase pressure through your back
• If you are overweight, weight loss is vital in reducing stress through your spine and other joints
• Sleeping posture is importance, if you lie on your back try one pillow, if you lie on your side possibly 2 thin pillows. Try to keep your head and neck is in line with your spine
• Our posture is not perfect at all times, but the more you think about it and correct it the better it will be and your body with thank you.