Posture is something that everyone should pay attention to but most people struggle with. Part of the reason behind this is that certain positions are comfortable for us but are not the ideal position for maintaining health whether we are sitting, standing, or laying down. So, whether you’re in the office or at home, you need to be aware of how you assume the habitual positions and possibly intervene. It is likely going to be a pain, but your body will eventually feel better, and it will improve your musculoskeletal health. So why is posture so critical for maintaining health? Well, it starts with alignment in how your muscles support you and the mechanics of how they work. Activities are preformed easier and with less internal forces when in a neutral posture. Also, awkward postures result will promote muscle imbalances, and some muscles can be overworked while others are underworked. This can lead to either overuse related musculoskeletal injuries in those muscle groups that are overworked, and weakness in others which can affect the overall balance and symmetry of the body. When you assume ideal postures, your body has a reduced amount of strain on muscles, connective tissues, and joints. So the risk of developing joint pain and degenerative arthritis diminishes. When you perform sports and other activities, proper mechanics and postures reduces the risk of injuries. A precedent to great posture is strong and flexible muscles so regular exercise, rest, and stretching can help you achieve better posture. The best standing posture is keeps the natural curve of your spine which has three curves including: the neck or cervical spine, upper back or thoracic spine, and lastly the concave lower back or lumbar spine. When we lean on a desk or anything while standing, we tend to slouch. This is comfortable but not ideal as the spine is not well stacked and the shoulders are elevated and typically protracted along with the neck. Sometimes standing too long isn't great because when we are not moving but upright we put a lot of pressure on the vasculature of our lower extremities and get tired giving us the tendency to slouch. So switch between sitting and standing frequently to reduce the chances of slouching. Sitting in a comfy chair after a long day of standing feels great but you have to do it correctly.  You don't have to be upright; you can recline as long as your ears shoulders, elbows, and hips are all in alignment. You want your feet firmly planted on either the floor or a foot support. Having your legs supported by an ottoman is also fine. When lying down, you want to do so on a moderately firm mattress for the best postural support. It's best to avoid sleeping face down and if you side sleep, it is best to place a pillow between your knees to help align your spine. If you want more tips or need assistance in understanding the ideal posture at work or work from home, call Ergobility today. We offer virtual ergonomic services which are great for getting answers all the posture related questions you have.