A lot of us spend our days in front of a computer as it is necessary for studying and working in many fields. Yet, we seem to be careless in regards to a key aspect of our health as we sit hunched over our various screens throughout the day. Bad posture can cause headaches, decreased lung capacity, early spinal degeneration, depression, and so much more. But what exactly is bad posture, and how can we improve it?
Posture is how we hold our bodies. It is divided into two types: dynamic (when we are moving) and static (when we aren’t moving). There are many causes for bad posture, but among them, sitting – a type of static posture – in front of screens incorrectly is one of the most prevalent as well as the focus below.
Having a back that is too arched (swayback), too hunched (kyphosis), or some other non-neutral alignment of the spine can cause various issues. One way to test to see if your posture is correct is the wall test. With your back to a wall while standing, have your head, shoulder blades, and buttocks touch the wall. With your heels two to four inches from the wall, you should be able to slide your hand just behind your lower back. This is the most ideal and neutral posture to hold. While there is no single perfect posture for everyone as all bodies are different, your ears, shoulders, and hips should generally be aligned from the side.
Image Source: Hiraman
To help improve your posture while sitting and working at a computer, here are some things to keep in mind. First, finding good support for your back and ensuring that your feet can rest comfortably on the ground are important. Every once in a while, take breaks to walk around, and stretch periodically. Try to avoid crossing your legs and tensing your shoulders to prevent chronic issues as well.
Many people cannot avoid sitting for long periods of time at a desk because of their work and end up developing specific pains. Unfortunately, there is no one-time fix for the many health issues that bad sitting posture can cause. The important thing is to listen to your body and continue to make small, everyday efforts to improve your posture. Don’t do anything that hurts, and take some time to learn how to avoid any repetitive physical stressors as they can easily become chronic issues. These small changes can do a lot for your overall health in the future and will be well worth your time.
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