Are You Sitting Correctly? – EverBeautiful by Melody Lesser

Summer is officially over; Labor Day Weekend is a memory and all that’s left of summer vacation are some photos and perhaps, tan lines. It’s back to work and school for most of us.

I always find it challenging to return to work after a vacation. I want to prolong the fun, the relaxation, the lazy days. But, here I am, sitting at my desk in front of my computer, writing this post. Chances are you’re sitting somewhere, reading it on yours. And that brings me to the point: Are you sitting at your desk correctly?

It’s not a silly question.

Bad posture while sitting may account for back pain which affects about 80% of us at some time in our lives, according to statistics published on the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s website.

The Mayo Clinic cites posture is an important factor in back health and says “slouching exaggerates your back’s natural curves, which can lead to muscle fatigue and injury.” Considering that over a 30 year period we sit for about five of those years, isn’t it important to do it correctly?

Dr. Emily Kiberd, wellness expert and pain relief specialist of Urban Wellness Clinic, NYC, offers the following tips on how to sit at your desk correctly to help prevent back pain. Read on, assess your sitting posture and try to improve it. I’m doing exactly the same thing as I write this.

Head – Keep your head back, chin tucked with your ears, shoulders and hips aligned

Eyes – Keep your eyes level with the top third of your computer screen

Neck – Do not cradle your phone between your neck and shoulders. If possible, use headphones

Wrists – Keep your wrists in line with your mouse and keyboard

Lower Back – Position your lower back to be slightly arched and fully supported

Hips, Knees and Elbows – Maintain at 90 degrees

Feet – Keep your feet flat on the floor

It sounds simple but if you’ve gotten into bad sitting habits, doing it correctly may cause fatigue initially. Don’t forget to take a break every 30 minutes. Stand up, stretch, walk around the office or your work area before resuming your good posture.

Here’s a little illustration to show you the proper way to sit and here’s to the health of all of our backs …