Proper Posture: Sitting at Your Desk

Whether on your own accord or by necessity, it is likely that you spend a great deal of time sitting. In fact, it’s believed that you will spend roughly five years of your life at a desk. How crazy is that!? While this is associated with time at the office, constant media consumption and time spent studying also attribute to this number. Being sedentary for so many hours a day is detrimental to your health, but if you must sit at a desk for a good portion of the day, let’s at least do it right!

I spend hours at a desk connecting with my Subbies, editing videos, and scheming up new ideas to share with all of you. To lessen strain, experience fewer aches, concentrate better, and to take a step in the right direction for less long-term damage, I took it upon myself to learn the best way to sit. Here’s my tips for you.

Computer Position - The top of your computer screen should be almost level with your eyes when looking forward. That way you only need to shift your eyes down to see the rest of your screen. You should not have to hunch over or bend your neck in order to see your work.

Chair Position - Position your seat low enough that your knees are bent at a 90 degree (or wider) angle and close enough that you aren’t leaning towards the desk. Do not slouch! Instead, sit up straight and slightly push your pelvis forward – you’ll feel like you’re using your legs more and sitting on your tailbone less. Lumbar cushions are excellent at providing your back with additional support.

Arm Position - Rest your arms comfortably at your side and bend them t0 a right angle. If your shoulders are raised or your forearms are not parallel to the ground, you’re doing it wrong. Avoid any awkward angles–such as your wrist tilted up–to prevent muscle cramps and the common strain felt from frequent mouse use.

Leg Position - As much as we like to be ladies, sitting with our legs crossed at our desk isn’t ideal. It will cause you to slouch and create an imbalance in weight distribution. Sit with legs together or hips width apart and plant your feet flat against the floor. If you can’t reach the floor, place a stool under your desk to rest your feet.

Making these adjustments, along with frequent stretch sessions throughout your work day, will alleviate the many pains associated with sitting at a desk. I know if I consciously make an effort to sit right (it can be so easy to slouch) that I feel much better at the end of the day. And if you’re trying to drastically cut down on the amount of time you sit, think about a standing desk – there are endless benefits with going this route. I might have to try it myself!

How do you battle against long hours spent at your desk?

<3 Mish