By Jenna Lebovits
In our current work-from-home world, where extended hours sitting in front of a computer screen have become the norm, maintaining good posture is more crucial than ever for optimal whole-body health. Becoming more mindful of your posture extends beyond physical health benefits—research reveals it’s also linked to improved alertness, mental clarity and productivity. When the body is properly aligned—whether moving or sitting—blood flow is optimized. On the other hand, prolonged slouching can lead to a range of musculoskeletal issues, including neck stiffness, back pain and even compromised breathing. Over time, poor posture can significantly reduce energy levels and focus, putting a drain on your overall productivity.
Wearable posture trainers, balance boards and targeted exercises are all proven to naturally support proper alignment. Incorporating these tools into your wellness arsenal and WFH setup can help you stay energized, focused and aligned, ensuring both body and mind are performing at their best. In response to the rising prevalence of posture-related issues, especially in remote spaces, innovative devices have been developed to support and correct the body’s natural alignment. But let’s not overlook the time-tested, decades-old practices—many of which are free—that anyone can rely on to improve posture.
Exercise—a key player in achieving proper posture—strengthens the spine-supporting muscles in the back, promoting healthy alignment. Core exercises like planks and bridges activate deep, stabilizing muscles to keep the spine aligned and in check, while shoulder blade squeezes and rows can help combat hunched posture. Incorporating stretching and flexibility practices such as yoga or Pilates into your everyday routine can help keep the hips and spine mobile, preventing body stiffness and postural misalignment.
More than just a workout, a simple yoga practice can be a game changer for your posture. By combining mindfulness, flexibility and strength training, yogic postures work to realign the body from the ground up. Poses like Warrior II and Mountain help to strengthen the muscles in the core, shoulders and back. Melt away the tension of the day and boost spinal flexibility by practicing forward folds and spinal twists. Yoga is a practice beloved by many for its ability to enhance mindfulness, training you to notice and correct slouching before it becomes a habit. Plus, studies show that a consistent yoga routine can reduce chronic back pain, leaving you standing taller and moving with ease and confidence.
This FDA-registered posture wearable by Forme is not only functional but fashionable, doubling as a sporty cropped tank top. Designed to instantly improve upper body alignment, the bra is lightweight and comfortable enough to use while running, sitting, traveling or even sleeping. Forme’s innovative technology promotes positive muscle memory and biofeedback, gently keeping the shoulders back and down to train the body to maintain great posture with little to no conscious effort. Plus, studies show that proper posture is linked to boosts in mood and confidence, making this bra a powerful multitasker for both body and mind. Power bra, $185, forme.science
Spinal traction, a therapeutic method used to alleviate pressure on the spine, is commonly used to treat neck pain, both at home and in physical therapy. Long hours spent slouching in front of screens can lead to neck pain, stiffness and spinal compression. Devices like the Spine Nap by Kanuda help correct postural issues (think: rounded shoulders and forward head posture) while easing tension in connective tissues throughout the body, in just 10 to 30 minutes a day. Spine nap, $129, kanudausa.com
It’s a common misconception that standing desks are automatically the superior alternative to traditional seated desks. Experts recommend a balance of both, alternating sitting and standing every 30 to 60 minutes. To effortlessly incorporate subtle movement into your workday without disrupting workflow, Movemate’s award-winning Active Standing Board offers a fresh spin on the balance board. The board, constructed with 15 dynamic Baltic birch slats, enhances blood flow, energy levels and oxygen supply by exercising the muscles along the back and core, improving body awareness and posture. Movemate active standing board, $359, letsmovemate.com