Improving Your Posture
If you’re one of the millions of people working from a desk and staring at a computer monitor for 8 hours every day, it’s safe to say you are in danger of developing poor posture. Posture that results from sitting at a computer monitor too long—otherwise known as the forward head tilt — can eventually lead to a painful shortening of the muscles of the back of the neck, as well as compression of the cervical vertebrae. Sitting all the time leads to decreased core strength, which is terrible for your back, neck, shoulders and your internal organs. The longer you sit your computer with weakened core muscles, the more prone you are to slouching over and straining your neck.
To improve this, start by making sure your computer monitor is at the correct height. Sit up completely straight with two feet on the floor (uncross your legs) and adjust your monitor to eye level so you never have to look down.
If you can feel yourself starting to slump over, pull your shoulders straight up toward your ears, roll them back, and then relax them. Tilt your head slowly forward and rest your chin on your chest. Hold this position for five seconds and then return your head to a natural position. Then, turn your head to the left until you feel a slight stretch and hold it for five seconds. Return your head back to its normal position and then repeat on the other side. Finally, push your chin forward, stretching your throat and hold this position for five seconds.
Consider swapping your standard desk for a standing desk or change out your traditional desk chair for a yoga ball chair. This can dramatically improve abdominal strength, inherently correcting issues with posture. You should start to see an improvement in your posture in just a few short weeks with these exercises.
