Do you pay attention to your posture when you relax?

Okay, maybe by now you already know that you should regularly change your posture. Stretching, rolling your shoulders, taking a walk during lunch break, and even walking to the coffee machine instead of joining the coffee round with colleagues. That's quite a few things to watch out for better posture. I can hear you thinking; "Is there something else? Never mind, I'll just flop on the couch." Oops, that's exactly what we wanted to talk about...

Why you should pay attention to your posture while relaxing

A good posture. We just don't stop talking about it. But it is so important. Not only during your work but also when you're sitting on the couch at home. While reading a book, watching a movie, or even playing your favorite instrument, we tend to adopt a relaxed posture. Hanging out, lying down, or slouching, we all do it!

Have you ever noticed that this never really feels comfortable? After half an hour, the first aches start to appear. A slight pain in your neck, heavy shoulders, or sharp pains in your lower back. Just changing to another "chill position" and it feels better... for a while! Even in this position, you don't seem to be lying optimally.

The small aches you feel may not be terrible, they are bearable. You probably don't immediately see the need to change anything. Yes, just adopt a different posture for a moment then. We still recommend taking action. Your body is trying to tell you something with these aches. This is not good!

Fact: did you know... we sit on average more than 9 hours a day?

We invite you to try something new that is good for your posture like Lot van Os does here while playing the piano:

Do you want to know more about the sitting ball? Read what is a sitting ball?

The development of back, neck, and shoulder complaints.

Most back, neck, and shoulder complaints arise from poor posture. This always starts with small, perhaps insignificant aches. Due to built-up tension, the mobility of your neck, shoulders, or back decreases. You get the feeling that you have stiff muscles and need to loosen up.

Many people get this feeling after a long workday. You often make repetitive movements or sit for a long time on your office chair working behind a screen. Especially when you come home, your body needs recovery. Do you have stiff muscles in the morning? Or do you feel completely stuck when you get up from the couch? Then it's time to take a look at your posture at home!

Maintaining an unhealthy posture for a long time can lead to:

• Chronic pain in your back, neck, shoulders, and wrists
• A hernia
• Digestive problems
• Depression and stress

How do you pay attention to your posture while sitting on the couch?

When sitting on the couch, it can be difficult to maintain a good posture. You tend to slouch or lie down comfortably. For a good posture on the couch, you should:

• Keep your back straight against the backrest;
• Keep your feet on the floor;
• Have relaxed shoulders;
• Keep your neck straight!

This last one can be difficult, many people do not have their television at eye level, but rather on a lower TV cabinet so that their head is straight when lying down. Due to the curvature that the rest of your body makes, this is not 'better' for your body. We recommend buying a TV cabinet or mounting your television so that your neck is straight when sitting upright on the couch.

What else can you do to prevent complaints?

Maybe you were already looking for tips for better posture. Maybe this blog has inspired you to look for them! In any case, here are a few tips that help prevent complaints caused by poor posture:

 

Keep moving: Even when watching a movie or series. Walk around occasionally, grab a healthy snack from the kitchen, or shake yourself loose. A few years ago, we still watched series and movies on television with a commercial break every half hour, which was a perfect moment for many people to stand up and do something. The arrival of Netflix and other streaming services has made this more difficult.

Are you in the middle of a big marathon of your favorite series? Try this stretch routine from a yoga coach in Santa Monica in between:

About Backerz

Did you know that Backerz has been developing sustainable products for better physical well-being since 2018? Through our continuous product development, we offer our customers sitting and lying comfort at a competitive price. Adopting a good posture should be easy and affordable, don't you agree?

Do you have any tips for better posture while watching a movie? Or do you have an ideal stretch routine? Let us know in the comments!

What are the consequences of poor sitting posture on the couch?

Prolonged slouching can lead to back, neck, and shoulder complaints. Over time, chronic pain, hernias, and even digestive problems or increased stress can occur.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can you adopt a good posture while relaxing?

Make sure your back is straight against the backrest, your feet are flat on the floor, your shoulders are relaxed, and your neck remains straight. Place your television at eye level to avoid an unnatural neck position.

Why do I feel pain after lying or lounging on the couch for a while?

Poor posture causes built-up muscle tension and reduced mobility. Aches in the neck, back, and shoulders are often signs that your body has been in a wrong posture for too long.

How often should I change posture while relaxing?

It is recommended to move or change posture every half hour. Short movements, such as a walk to the kitchen or a stretching exercise, help prevent complaints.

Does a stability ball or ergonomic chair also help at home?

Yes, using a stability ball or ergonomic aid supports an active sitting posture and prevents slouching. This helps maintain a healthy posture, even outside of work hours.