We all know that posture matters, but most of us don’t realise just how much our daily habits can influence it. The way we sit, stand, and move might seem insignificant, but over time, these patterns can shape how our bodies feel—for better or worse.
Physical therapists are on the front lines when it comes to dealing with the repercussions of our daily habits, and they’ve identified six common habits that could be causing more harm than good.
Here at YourLifeChoices, we’re all about helping our readers live their best life, so let’s dive into what these experts wish you’d stop doing and how you can make simple changes for better health.
1. The dreaded ‘tech neck’
We’re all guilty of it: hunching over our phones, scrolling endlessly, oblivious to the world—and the strain we’re putting on our necks. This habit, known as ‘tech neck,’ can lead to serious neck, jaw, and headache issues.
The weight of the head increases significantly when it’s tilted forward, putting undue stress on the neck muscles. Over time, this can cause jaw pain, clicking, popping, and even tension headaches.
Instead of ‘tech neck,’ hold your phone at eye level to avoid strains. It might look a bit odd in public, but your future self will thank you. Keep your ears aligned with your shoulders, as well, and drop your chin slightly to elongate the nape of your neck.
2. Slouching shoulders
Whether you’re working on a laptop or binge-watching your favourite show, letting your shoulders drift forward can stretch and weaken the stabilising tendons and ligaments. This can lead to shoulder discomfort and increase the risk of injuries.
Instead of slouching, perform a simple shoulder reset exercise. Sit up straight, tuck your elbows to your sides with palms facing up, and rotate your palms away from your trunk. Then, turn your palms down and bring them back towards your body.
Doing this helps bring your shoulders into a more neutral position.
3. The same-leg cross
Sitting with one leg crossed over the other is common, but always crossing the same leg can lead to muscle imbalances and reduced hip mobility, which can cause hip and back pain.
A better alternative for this practice is to sit with both feet flat on the floor, knees in line with your hips, and practice alternating which leg you cross to promote balance and flexibility.
4. Over-bracing your core
While engaging your core is important during exercise, constantly tucking your pelvis and flattening your back throughout the day can lead to back pain by forcing your spine out of its natural curve.
Instead of this, use the cat-cow exercise to find a comfortable middle ground for your spine’s natural alignment. Do this stretch by alternating between arching and rounding your back. This will help your back muscles function properly without unnecessary strain.
5. Riding too low bike seats
Riding a bicycle with the seat set too low can put pressure on your hips and knees, leading to pain and potential damage to your joints.
To help you ride more efficiently and reduce the risk of injury, adjust your bike seat to the correct height—not too low, nor too high. See to it that your legs have a soft bend when you’re at the lowest point of the pedal stroke.
6. Sleeping on your stomach
While this may be a comfortable sleeping position, it can lead to neck and back issues due to the twisted position of your head and the misalignment of your spine.
Switch things up and try sleeping on your back or side, instead. This will allow a more neutral position of the neck and spine. If you find it difficult to adjust, start with short intervals and gradually increase the time spent in the new position.
Incorporating movement and variation into your daily routine is key to reducing discomfort and staying healthy, so take a moment to assess your daily habits and make the necessary adjustments. Your body will thank you for it.
We’d love to hear from you, too. Have you found that changing a small daily habit has made a significant difference in how you feel? Share your experiences with the YourLifeChoices community in the comments below and let’s learn from each other’s journeys to better health.
Also read: The pillow habit that could be harming your posture
