© Shutterstock

Stand up straight -

When it comes to improving your posture, the best way to start is by correcting your standing position.

© Shutterstock

Stand up straight -

To achieve the correct standing position, stand up straight and imagine a string pulling you upwards towards the sky.

© Shutterstock

Stand up straight -

Your chin should be level with the ground, your shoulders back, and your belly tucked in.

© Shutterstock

Don't slouch at your desk -

It is very important to resist the temptation to slump and swivel in your chair. It may feel good, but it’s very bad for your posture.

© Shutterstock

Don't slouch at your desk -

To achieve the optimal sitting position, try to sit all the way back in your chair with your feet flat on the floor, keep your back at a ninety degree angle to your thighs, and your knees at a ninety degree angle to the floor.

© Shutterstock

Don't slouch at your desk -

If you do not have an ergonomic chair, place a small pillow behind the small of your back to protect the spine.

© Shutterstock

Get up and move -

When muscles become tired, it becomes more tempting to slouch and slump.

© Shutterstock

Get up and move -

It's important to combat this temptation by changing positions frequently.

© Shutterstock

Get up and move -

Getting up from your desk and walking around for two minutes every half an hour should help you maintain a relaxed yet supported posture.

© Shutterstock

Use posture-friendly props -

If possible, it is a great idea to use a specially designed ergonomic chair that supports your whole back, including the curvature in the lower spine.

© Shutterstock

Use posture-friendly props -

A computer stand that brings the computer screen level with your eyes when you’re looking straight ahead is also a great idea.

© Shutterstock

Use posture-friendly props -

Similarly, if your feet don’t touch the floor when your thighs are at a right angle to your calves, it is important to use a footstool.

© Shutterstock

Avoid 'text neck' -

Craning your neck to look at your smartphone puts a huge amount of pressure on your spine.

© Shutterstock

Avoid 'text neck' -

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time each day looking at their phone, be sure to stretch your neck regularly.

© Shutterstock

Avoid 'text neck' -

You should also try and practice lifting your phone to a position where you can see it without moving your head and straining your neck.

© Shutterstock

Don't low-ride while driving -

It may feel comfortable, but reclining heavily while driving is very bad news for your posture.

© Shutterstock

Don't low-ride while driving -

Bring your seat close to the wheel and ensure that your knees are at hip level when slightly bent.

© Shutterstock

Don't low-ride while driving -

Don’t forget to pop a pillow behind your lower back to support that spine.

© Shutterstock

Ditch the stilettos -

High heels may look great, but after a while wearing them your back won’t feel great.

© Shutterstock

Ditch the stilettos -

Wearing high heels pushes the base of your spine forward and puts extra pressure on your knees.

© Shutterstock

Ditch the stilettos -

If you have to wear some sort of heel, go for something chunky and low for daily wear.

© Shutterstock

Sleep smart -

When it comes to choosing a mattress, go for something firm, since this will support the spine’s natural shape.

© Shutterstock

Sleep smart -

If you sleep on your back, place a small pillow under your neck.

© Shutterstock

Sleep smart -

If you sleep on your side, place a pillow under your head so it’s level with your spine and bend your knees slightly.

© Shutterstock

Firm up those abs -

In order to maintain good posture, it is vital to have strong muscles supporting the spine.

© Shutterstock

Firm up those abs -

Specific exercises that target the abdominal and back muscles are a great way to ensure good posture.

© Shutterstock

Firm up those abs -

Regular exercise such as walking, swimming, and cycling is also important for keeping the body conditioned.

© Shutterstock

Avoid overprotecting postures -

It is important to maintain a relaxed posture at all times, since tension and restricted movement will cause pain and problems down the line.

© Shutterstock

Avoid overprotecting postures -

This one is particularly important to remember for people who already struggle with such pain, since it is tempting to adopt certain unnatural positions in order to minimize symptoms.

© Shutterstock

Avoid overprotecting postures -

Remember that the spine is structurally designed for movement and that a relaxed position is the best in the long run.

See also: Skip the gym and do these exercises at home instead

© Shutterstock