Four Easy Hacks for Better Sitting

My feelings about sitting...

If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll know my feelings about sitting.

The reality is that in our western society we must sit - I challenge you to go a day without sitting. So that means we must compromise, if you are literally forced to sit, you must adapt and modify (Hack) the whole idea of siting. So Here my four easy hacks for better sitting...

1. Ask yourself...

Do I really need to sit? If you don't immediately answer YES (like driving a car or watching a movie) find a way to stand. Standing is always a better option. An example of this is working on a computer - you don't HAVE to sit - standing is almost always an option (that's how I'm writing this right now!)

2. Hack your chair.

Where sitting is unavoidable, hack your seat by adding a lumbar support. This can be as high or low tech as you like. My personal favourite for convenience and economy is this lumbar support. It fits any office chair or car seat and will cost you less than a tenner! Even cheaper hacks include a rolled up towel, jumper or loaf of bread (probably the best use for it anyway!)

3. Move. Frequently.

Sitting sucks no matter how 'good' your posture is, so the best way to sit is constantly varied - slouch, slump, recline, wiggle - do it all. The pressure will be less constant on your spine and reduce muscle fatigue and tissue overload (injury).

4. Hit the road.

For driving, use a lumbar support, recline your seat slightly, rest your head on the headrest and make sure your arms aren't fully outstretched. Obviously, it's a little harder to take regular breaks while driving, just make sure you stop every couple of hours for a quick stretch.

If you try these four everyday hacks for better sitting, I know you will feel better move better and live longer! But, as I always say, the best chair is the one you get out of often.

Happy sitting everyone!

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