Do you find yourself sitting at a desk for the better part of your day? Are you beginning to realize that it’s taking a toll on your posture, while also causing neck and back pain?
While it’s not always easy to do, there are simple steps you can take to maintain good posture while sitting at a desk. Try to do the following (starting right now):
• Keep your feet flat on the floor
• Don’t cross your knees or ankles
• Keep a small space between your chair and the back of your knees
• Adjust your seat to ensure that it’s the same height as your hips
• Sit with your ankles in front of your knees
• Relax your shoulders (but don’t slouch)
Along with the above, make sure that you're relying on your core by using it. Don't outsource the work to the back of the chair, as this puts unnecessary stress on your back, neck, and other parts of your body.
Also, pay attention to the position of your pelvis when you're in a seated position. You don't want to put all your weight on the sacrum, as it's not designed to handle it.
It really can be this easy to maintain good posture while working at a desk. The thing to remember is that it will take time to change your ways. You must constantly remind yourself to follow the steps above. If you don’t, there’s a much greater chance that you’ll slip back into your old ways.
Pay attention to the way you naturally sit at a desk. You’re likely to find that you’re promoting poor posture — and that’s not what you want. It’s time to make a change.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.