Posture, Sitting and Work
By Stephen R. Farris
Good posture is something we all need for our body's overall health. If you have a job in which you sit the majority of your work day, keeping and maintaining good posture can become a bit of a challenge.
Not only can sitting create poor posture, but doing so for too long can have great health risks as well.
In a study from Australia, it found that people who sit for more than 11 hours per day increased their chances of an early death by 40 percent. That's an astounding number!
So what is the solution? How do I keep and maintain good posture? How do I reduce my risk of developing health problems and/or early death?
Let's take a look at a few examples that may help answer those questions.
Stand Up Once in a While
Nobody said you have to sit the entire time you're at work, including those folks that drive long distances for a living. In the office, you can take phone calls standing up. There's no rule saying you have to be seated to talk. If you're driving and know the phone call you just received may be lengthy, then pull over on the side of the road or into a parking lot, or rest area. Get out, stand up or walk around while conversing.
Walk
Breaks, lunch, it doesn't matter. Those times are not just for eating. After a quick bite, or a cup of coffee, spend the rest of your time by taking a walk outside. It's good for the legs and back, plus you'll get a little fresh air from the experience.
Sit Up Straight, Legs Together
Most of us find it comfortable to cross our legs while sitting. However, doing so for extended periods not only can cause poor posture, but could lead to lower back problems in the future, if done often enough.
A couple of other things to do instead of sitting all day is too do a few minutes of stretching in the morning, and again in the afternoon. Adjust your monitor so it is slightly below eye level and keep your keyboard in front of you as well.
You can find out more about maintaining good posture and other ways to avoid sitting for too long by visiting your chiropractor, such as those found at The Joint Chiropractic. He or she can offer tips and suggestions that can help you out, plus if you're experiencing pain in your back, neck or joints, they can examine you and suggest treatment options. The Joint Chiropractic has nearly 500 nationwide locations and no appointment is necessary.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenville, S.C.