Best Posture? Change It Up!
Have you ever wondered what the “best posture” is? While some ways of sitting or standing are better than others, the most important thing is to move often. Your body feels best when you do not stay in one position for too long. Sitting, standing, or kneeling for long periods can cause pain and stiffness.
This happens because your joints are not getting enough blood flow and nutrients. When you change your posture often, you put less stress on your muscles and joints, which can help reduce pain.
Moving more also helps your brain. When you move, more oxygen goes to your
muscles and brain. This can improve your mood, lower tiredness, and help you
focus better.
It is recommended to change your posture or get up and move every 20–30 minutes,
especially if you have been staying still.
When You Take a Break:
- Look away from what you are working on
- Take a few slow, deep breaths
- Drink some water
- Stretch your muscles
Try gentle stretches like these throughout your day to help your body feel better and stay healthy:
Hamstring Stretch: Stand with one leg in front of the other. Slowly hinge from the hips until stretch is felt in the back of your leg. Keep your back straight and eyes up. Hold 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other side, do not push into pain.
Back bend: Begin standing with feet hip width apart. Place hands on low back/hips for support as you bend backwards with control. Hold for 10 seconds, repeat 8-10 times. Squeeze your glutes to help you come back to an upright standing position.
Armpit sniff: Begin sitting or standing upright and place one hand in the small of your back. Tip your head to the side opposite of your anchored arm and lean it toward your shoulder Rotate your head so that your nose is pointing at your armpit, hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
