Maintaining proper posture and a healthy back and spine begins with finding a comfortable sitting position. If you follow a few easy principles, you can improve your sitting posture for most individuals with no problem. In addition to improving one's physical health, sitting with a straight back and shoulders may boost one's self-esteem.

Many people's days are dominated by sitting, whether they are commuting, at work, at school, or just unwinding at home. Sitting for lengthy periods may lead to various health problems, including poor posture and back problems. Here’s a guideline to the best sitting posture:

 

Is sitting posture important?

 

One of the simplest and most effective methods to maintain a healthy spine is maintaining good posture. Even though it may need some effort and attention, good posture will support the back. This is crucial if you spend a lot of time in an office chair or standing during the day. Blood flow is improved, nerves and blood vessels are protected, and your muscles, ligaments, and tendons are supported when you sit and stand correctly. If you want to avoid back and neck discomfort, it is essential to practice optimal posture regularly. A good sitting posture helps in improving comfort, function, physiological function, cognition and engagement.

 

What is an example of bad sitting posture?

 

There's no denying that the proper sitting position is essential, but sometimes we forget the good practices and get it all wrong. The following are some of the everyday bad sitting habits:

  • Sitting while hunched over to one side with the back arched

  • Sitting while bending the knees, ankles, or arms

  • Sitting with your feet hanging or are not adequately supported

  • Sitting in one posture for an extended period

  • Gazing at a computer, phone, or paper for lengthy periods while straining the neck

  • Lying on your back in a pose that does not provide enough support for the lower back

What are the effects of bad sitting posture?

 

Poor posture has several detrimental implications on both physical and mental well-being. Some of its effects include back pain, neck pain, headaches, poor sleep, disrupted digestion, and lack of motivation.

What are the 3 key points to the sitting posture?

 

The location of your spine is critical to optimal posture. Your neck, middle back, and lower back are all naturally curved. Maintaining these curves but not increasing them is the goal of proper posture. The top of your shoulder should be above your hips, and your head must be above your shoulders.

How do I fix my sitting posture?

 

The optimal sitting posture depends on your height, the chair you are using, and the activity you are engaged in while seated. Sitting in a correct position may be improved by:

  • Keeping your feet level on the ground or a footrest is an option.

  • Avoid crossing your knees or ankles while sitting down.

  • The goal should be to keep the back of the knees a little distance from the chair.

  • Keeping the knees at or slightly below hip level.

  • Putting your ankles and knees in the same position.

  • Loosening the shoulders while seated.

  • Try to maintain your forearms and knees parallel to the floor whenever feasible.

  • Maintain an L-shape in the arms by keeping the elbows at the sides.

  • Facing forward without stretching the neck in an upright position.

  • In areas where the lower back does not touch the chair pleasantly, you should use a backrest or cushion to keep it against the chair.

  • Take at least a 10-minute break per hour of sitting to prevent sitting for extended periods.

 

What is forward neck, text neck, and turtle neck?

 

Forward neck

The head and spine are aligned when someone has proper posture. People with a forward neck tilt their heads forward, out of line with their spines. When the head is out of alignment, it may create a range of concerns, including neck discomfort, pain, and balance disorders.

Text neck

As a result of lengthy durations of leaning forward when reading or texting on the phone, the phrase "text neck" has been developed to characterize this posture. Cervical and shoulder discomfort, headaches, and thoracic hyperkyphosis are common side effects of this position.

Turtle neck

It is becoming more and more frequent for young people to suffer from the "turtleneck syndrome" when they spend too much time on their computers or cellphones. The condition, also known as the forward head posture syndrome (FHPS), is characterized by a forward head posture.

How do I fix my turtle’s neck?

 

Over time, a turtle's neck can be rectified through lifestyle changes, including using one firm pillow, making the workstation ergonomic, starting a turtle's neck exercise routine, and adjusting your backpack to a comfortable position.

 

Can forward neck posture be corrected?

Forward neck posture is commonly caused by hunching over a computer or electronic device for lengthy periods. Luckily, it can be corrected, and there is strong evidence that special stretching and strengthening exercises in conjunction with chiropractic or physical therapy may help restore the proper alignment of your head and neck.

How long does it take to correct posture?

 

Habits are built over time, so you cannot expect to break them overnight. Getting the long-term health advantages of fresh muscle memory requires time and persistence. You should expect to see effects within a few months to six months if you practice correct sitting posture, routinely stretch, and engage in core-strengthening activities. Everyone's posture adjustment progresses at a different speed, and it's important to remember that.

What is the fastest way to improve posture?

It takes more than just standing up straight to have a good posture. Long-term well-being necessitates it. You may avoid discomfort, injury, and other health issues by ensuring that you keep your body in the correct position, whether you are moving or stationary. 

Here are some things to start doing right away:

  • Watching TV, doing the dishes, or strolling are examples of everyday tasks when you should pay attention to your posture.

  • Maintain a healthy level of activity. Several exercises may help you improve your posture, but some are more beneficial than others. The courses include yoga, tai chi, and other forms of movement that emphasize body awareness. Strengthening your core muscles is also a good idea (muscles around your back, abdomen, and pelvis).

  • Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). Having too much weight on your body may weaken your abdominal muscles, create pelvic and spine difficulties, and lead to lower back discomfort. Any of these may harm your posture.

  • Put on a pair of flat, comfy shoes. For example, if you are wearing high heels, they might cause you to lose your balance and walk differently. Muscles are placed under extra strain, and your posture is harmed as a result.

  • You should ensure that your work surfaces are at a height that is comfortable for you, whether you are working at a computer or preparing food. For instance, you can invest in an APOL Chair to get that ergonomic posture when working.

 

APOL Singapore 

7030 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, #06-53
Northstar@AMK Singapore 569880 

+65 6570 0223

 

Social Accounts: 

 

https://www.facebook.com/APOL.SG/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/apol-singapore-pte-ltd/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpC0pp8xFHufix0CPu\_ewmQ

https://www.instagram.com/apol.sg/