Posture: The key to good health.
Bad posture is a serious problem that affects most office workers. Obviously sitting all day at a desk has enough problems by itself. Add to that, bad posture---that is, sitting in such a fashion that you put undue stress on the body, and the problem is compounded many times over.
But sitting with bad posture is not the only culprit in the workplace. Standing also requires attention to one’s posture to avoid many similar issues as well as several unique problems related to standing all day at the job.
Bad posture at work increases stress and depression.
Studies have shown that bad posture can enhance feelings of depression and can rob you of all your energy. Extremely bad posture can cut off circulation, which introduces a whole new set of issues. The point is; bad posture puts unnecessary stress on your body, which only adds to the potential stress of accomplishing tasks and meeting deadlines, which tend to be a part of everyday life on the job.
Bad posture in the workplace, unfortunately, is very common. It’s a serious problem that affects a person in many negative ways. It gives rise to numerous physical and mental health issues that one needs to understand.
The following is just a sample of some of the common issues bad posture can cause:
Digestive problems
Body aches and pain
Poor breathing
Headaches
And the biggie…back and spine problems.
It is important to understand the issues and to know what actions to take to improve bad posture. Avoiding these unwanted problems with your health should be everyone’s top priority.
Bad posture leads to back problems.
Of the problems listed above, back and spine problems are the single biggest issue in the work environment.
Back problems related to poor posture cause more trips to the doctor than just about any other work-related issue. One report went as far as indicating that it was the third most common reason for such visits.
For people under the age of 45, low back pain is the number one debilitating condition which affects productivity on the job and the enjoyment of life in general.
But it’s the loss of productivity that is most concerning. Not being able to perform one’s duties can have far-reaching effects that impact not only the workplace but one’s personal life as well---loss of income due to injury is a serious matter that can have devastating results.
Good posture should be everyone’s goal.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, “posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. Without posture and the muscles that control it, we would simply fall to the ground.”
Good posture is completely achievable with proper training and continued practice. It involves training your body to sit and stand in a manner that strain and stress on the supporting muscles and ligaments are minimized. And since your posture has such an impact on one’s health overall, it’s important that you take the matter seriously and weigh your options. Here are a few things to consider when you think about the effect good posture can have in your life.
An article by posturemonth.org states that most people practicing good posture tend to enjoy;
- Pain-free movement and flexibility with better balance and coordination.
- Have elevated confidence and a higher energy level.
- Have a positive attitude and are mostly optimistic.
- Exhibit less stress and anxiety.
- Often appear younger than they are.
- Breathe easier and more deeply.
- Are athletic and stay active longer.
So, it’s up to you to take action! Become aware of the issues and take control of your posture at work, at home, and play.
What to do?
Rather than produce a list of posture improving techniques and exercises, we’re going to provide the reader with several links to some truly professional information to help you improve your posture and, in turn, your overall health…both at work and home.
Innerbody: Improving Back Posture at Work
United States Department of Labor / OSHA: Good Working Positions
KnowYourBack.org: 10 Tips for a Healthy Back
A particular favorite is a website full of insight and tips for all aspects of good posture. The author even details how necessary it is to stay hydrated to accomplish good posture…well worth a quick look.
SittingPosture.com: How to Sit with Good Computer Posture
These are just a few samples of the information available online for understanding and correcting posture. Do yourself a favor and check it out!
It begins with a desk from MojoDesk.
It all starts with the best ergonomic sit-stand desk in the industry from MojoDesk. Having the option to sit and stand during the workday is the first step to a healthier work experience.
Then applying the techniques learned above for improving, and even perfecting your posture, is the answer to the health and well-being.
