You have already been able to read quite a bit on Backerz about a healthy working posture. Why this is extremely important and what you can do to improve your posture. In many of our articles, we emphasize that you should regularly sit differently or walk a short distance. In this blog, we explain exactly why it is so good to regularly change your posture.
Why you should regularly change your posture
Is there a correct posture?
No, in principle there is no posture that is 100% correct to maintain for a long time. That doesn't mean there is no good posture to sit in. Sitting in the same posture for a long time causes pressure to build up in your muscles and joints. This pressure can cause, in the short term, for example, a stiff neck or shoulders. In the long term, this can cause much worse complaints, such as a hernia!
Also see our best tips for better posture.
Why change posture?
By regularly changing posture, or standing or walking for a moment, you reduce the pressure that builds up in your muscles. This prevents the development of ‘knots’. A knot, or muscle knot, is a local cramp in your muscle. This cramp occurs because waste products accumulate in one spot in your muscle and stick together there.
By regularly changing posture or walking a bit, you ensure better blood circulation, which reduces the chance of these knots. In addition, this better blood circulation also ensures that more oxygen reaches your brain, allowing you to work focused for longer.
What sitting does to our body
"Sitting is the new smoking" is sometimes said. That is of course a bit exaggerated, but it does indicate that a number of bad things happen while we sit. According to research, sitting more than 4 hours a day already increases the risk of chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
In this report from EenVandaag, you learn more about the dangers of (too much) sitting.
How do you vary your posture?
You can actually do all sorts of things to take a different posture for a moment. Slide your office chair a bit, roll your shoulders and neck, or look away from your screen for a moment. These are all good options. However, it is better to take a ‘completely’ different posture than to just shift a little.
You can do this by, for example, working while standing. More and more workplaces are equipped with an adjustable desk. Also, a long walk during the lunch break and a short walk around the office every hour to stretch your legs already have a huge impact on the development of knots in your muscles or other sitting-related complaints.
Switching chairs also helps prevent the development of these kinds of sitting complaints. By constantly working in the same office chair, you tend to adopt a posture that is not good for you. At the start of your workday, you are probably still sitting upright, but around 4:00 PM, chances are you are slouching much more. Changing chairs can help you adopt an active posture again in this case.
Wobble stools and sitting balls
Wobble stools, sitting balls, or other ergonomic chairs provide variety to your office chair. They are the perfect tool to vary your working posture. These chairs not only offer some variation but also ensure that you adopt an active, ergonomic posture while working.
Exercise balls: An exercise ball forces your body to adopt a natural posture. You have no backrest to lean comfortably against, which means your core must constantly correct itself. This way, you not only adopt a natural posture but also train the muscles in your abdomen and lower back.
Wobble stool: The wobble stool encourages an open and dynamic sitting posture. You cannot avoid moving and that is good! In addition, you can work sitting and standing, making the stool a versatile office furniture in use.
Keep paying attention to your posture!
Even if you don't want to buy a wobble stool or sitting ball, there are several things you can do to improve your posture. Do you ever pay attention to the following points?
What should I pay attention to while sitting?
Keep your feet on the ground, make sure your hips are slightly higher than your knees, and avoid a slouched (forward or backward bent) posture. Your head should look straight ahead without bending your neck. Make sure your shoulders hang relaxed beside your body.
What should I pay attention to while standing?
Stand upright with both feet on the floor, make sure your knees have a slight bend. Distribute your weight evenly over your legs and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Make sure your chest sticks out slightly and your shoulders hang relaxed beside your body. Also, lightly engage your abdominal muscles.
What should I pay attention to when I go to sleep?
It is also important to maintain a healthy posture while you sleep. After all, you sleep about 1/3 of your life. A wrong sleeping position can cause the same complaints as a wrong sitting posture. For your sleeping posture, it is especially important that your spine forms a straight line. A good pillow contributes greatly to this.
Curious what a good pillow should meet?
Backerz
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. Do you want to enjoy a healthier posture? Take a look at our range.
Do you have any good tips for better posture? Or have you found the ideal way to shake yourself loose after sitting? Leave a comment and help others achieve a healthy lifestyle too. ❤️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it important to change posture regularly?
Sitting in the same posture for a long time increases pressure on muscles and joints, which can lead to muscle knots, stiffness, and even chronic complaints such as hernias. By moving regularly, your body stays active and you prevent overload.
What are the consequences of sitting too long in one posture?
Sitting too long without varying posture can lead to reduced blood flow, loss of concentration, stiff muscles, and an increased risk of back and neck complaints. The chance of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases also increases.
How often should you change your sitting posture during work?
It is recommended to change posture at least every hour or to stand up briefly. Short movements, changing chairs, or working at a sit-stand desk help prevent physical complaints.
Which aids help with an active working posture?
Ergonomic aids such as exercise balls and wobble stools encourage dynamic sitting. They activate your core muscles and provide variation, causing you to automatically adopt a healthier posture.
Is it bad to sit still for a long time, even with good posture?
Yes, even a good posture becomes unhealthy if maintained for too long. Variation and movement are essential to reduce muscle tension and keep your blood circulation and concentration up.