Does your back ache after a long day at the office? It could be your poor posture. One of the most common work-related injuries is back pain which can often be caused by doing the most ordinary work activities such as sitting in an office chair. According to the Chicago Tribune, 80 percent of Americans have back pain at some point in their life.
Not only can poor posture cause neck and back pain, but it can also cause headaches and fatigue leading to poor productivity. Livestrong.com reported that slouching can lead to reduced lung function and affect your lung capacity by as much as 30 percent. When our lungs are not functioning well, our tissues do not receive the proper amount of oxygenated blood.
The way we hold our bodies is also important for how we are perceived by others. When we stand tall, we are perceived as powerful and strong; but when we slouch we look sloppy and unprofessional. According to Lifehacker.com, having good posture can change your mood and overall happiness. Those who sit for more than 7 hours per day are 47 percent more likely to be depressed. The more active we are, the more energy we have. Staying active at work is very important as prolonged static posture is not good and can lead to serious issues if not dealt with. Try getting up for a minute or two every hour or even go for a fifteen-minute walk to help get your blood flowing and those muscles moving. Remember, It’s what you do every day that catches up to you!
