While I haven't quite reached the state of this poor bloke, increasingly I'm noticing just how terrible my posture is as I hunch over my keyboard! I try to throw my shoulders back, to force my spine straight, but one minute later I'm right back where I started.I swear, by the time I'm sixty, I'll barely be able to bring myself upright! I'll have to spread all my reading material out on the floor and type with my toes.
Back in my corporate days, I had my office ergonomically designed. But even that didn't seem to make a difference to my errant posture. There's just something so comforting about learning close to my laptop screen, as if the proximity to my brain will enable diffusion or something. Soon my head is going to be fused to the screen.
Does anyone else have a posture problem? And what do you do to solve it?
*(I'm going to be slightly MIA as my parents are visiting this week. I'll try my best to post here and there and visit blogs while I can, though!)
**(Fellow Twitterer and writer Sarah Callejo has just entered the blogosphere! She's great and I can't wait to meet her at the RNA conference in July. Head on over to say hi if you get the chance!)
I have been thinking that my posture isn't the greatest either as I sit here typing. Now that I have 175 reading glasses, I move into the screen like someone panning for gold.
ReplyDeleteI'm constantly straightening up my spine. Getting in the gym on a regular basis helps...which is where I'm supposed to be right now...if I'd just get my slump-shouldered self away from my computer!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time with your parents!
I start sitting up straight at 8.30am, but as the morning draws on, I start shrinking and sitting lower and lower in the chair. By the end of the day, I'm practically lying in it. Not surprised I've always had backaches. In fact, when did you take that picture of me? Can't remember sitting on a cathedral spike... must've been the wine.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention!!
I get up and walk around often, to keep from sitting in one position too long. Enjoy your parents' visit this week :)
ReplyDeleteI have HORRIBLE posture too. I don't know what to do about it except complain my back hurts!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I have awful posture, even now as I write this my back is aching!! I now sit with a cushion shoved behind me like a woman 40 years older than me!! Enjoy the visit XXX
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone in your poor posture situation. I even catch myself slumping when I drive, maybe I think of the steering wheel as my keyboard. LOL. Enjoy your parents' visit and thanks for the new link.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
Remarkably, my posture is still good. I do find that I have to uncurl my body at the end of a computer session however. I think that the aches are only months away... Implementing preventive measures as I type.
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm okay, because I usually lean back.
ReplyDeleteNot only am I hunched backed but I stare at the screen for hours on end, type without any breaks and prefer to sit with legs crossed!
ReplyDeleteAnd I wonder why I'm all aches and pains!
LOL!
I have no solution to bad posture!! All I can suggest is to eat cheese - it's good for bones and things apparently!
Enjoy your parents' visit and see you soon.
take care
x
I am a hunchback too :-(
ReplyDeleteMy posture tends to be fine if I'm working on my computer (or even laptop). I'm quite picky about it when I'm writing in this way.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if I'm sitting at my desk with a pen and paper, it's another story. It's here where my posture goes to hell and I end up paying the price with a sore back.
Okay, so I'm terrified I'm going to be one of those old ladies who looks like she is walking bent over because my back is so hunched. I always find myself hunchec and then I straigten myself out...and so it goes over and over and over. I'll buy one of those shoulder strap thingy's that MAKE you sit up straight. Now that would be uncomfortable...but probably worth it. ;-)
ReplyDelete~JD
When I was corporate I had the same problem, but just like you, the ergonomic wonders fixed me.
ReplyDeleteNow, I am too growing a hunchback buuut, its good to make some exercizes that help fix things, like stretching every 2 hours. Also Pilates is very good too! =)
I probably have just about the worst posture ever, I slouch a lot, because I'm tall (that's what I tell myself anyway). What do I do to fix it? Nadda. Unless I'm walking by a big mirror and I see how much I look like Quasimodo. :)
ReplyDeleteSo funny because I'm hunched over my keyboard right now. I'm trying to straighten out. I will check out the link. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am afraid I am not the right person to ask as I am slumped her in my bed with my laptop and my head craning forward.
ReplyDeleteI like the prospect of typing with my toes though....
Have fun with your parents!!
ReplyDeleteBoy am I guilty of this, in fact the minute you said it I felt my shoulders straighten up! I need to work at it but I only realize I'm doing it when it hurts!! Shame on me! When I have children I'll teach them to keep their shoulders back, though my mom did it and I didn't learn!!!
Honestly, did you write this post for me? Did you? My neck hurts so much right now!
ReplyDelete*bangs head against screen*
ReplyDeleteSorry? What was that?
:)
Have fun with your folks!
I lean foreward, but my back is always straight. I think it comes from the fact I am so short - I always keep my back straight so I can stand up to my full height.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother was a literal hunchback and bad (stiff) backs run in our family. SO, I'm very conscious of my posture because for me, I know it'll be a problem.
ReplyDeleteCD
I have terrible posture. It's because I don't sit at a desk, but on my couch, sideways, with the laptop on the other couch cushion. It might be hard on my back, but it's way easier to type without fear of carpal-tunnel because my hands are elevated/my wrists don't droop or whatever the problem is.
ReplyDeleteI started yoga a month and a half ago, but so far my posture still sucks.
Mine is dismal. I've had to stop crossing my legs under my desk because of my vascular problems, but that's actually helped. At least now I don't get my back twisted up because my feet are flat on the floor! But I still hunch!
ReplyDeleteI worry more about my precious butt as I sit here every day. But yes, the clumped back isn't such a great thing either. When I think about it, I do straighten up and berate myself.
ReplyDeleteOh well, we will all be hunchbacked together.
Yes, I slump at my computer! It feels more comfortable that way, but I know it's terrible for my posture. Unfortunately I write for very long periods of time so I like to be as comfy as I can. I try to walk with good posture, though!
ReplyDeleteI had to get a proper ergonomically correct chair and make sure my screen is at the right height etc or I get awful back ache. Careful Talli!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you need glasses so you don't put your head so close to the screen?
ReplyDeleteI used to write at my dining room table. I figured the nice straight chair would be good for my posture. Then I started getting neck cramps, so I moved to the big old easy chair in the living room. I expected big neck/back problems from that, but so far it's been great.
Have fun with your parents!
p.s. Does The Hating Game have an ISBN? I want to add it to goodreads :)
ReplyDeleteMy chiropracter has me do door frame stretches each morning and night. You stand facing a door frame (not in it though, about 4 inches in front of it), put your hands on the sides just above head height. Then lean forward to stretch your shoulders back. Hold about 4 seconds. You can slide your hands up farther, or lower for deeper stretches.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your parents!
I sat up straight when I read this post!! Have fun with your parents.
ReplyDeleteAlso I hope you do not mind me saying but for us oldies out here the grey on a black background with the red does not work, sorry :(
Scrap my last comment, the background just changed to white, weird!!
ReplyDeleteI read that and immediately attempted to sit up straight because GREAT SCOTT my posture is bad. It feels weird not to be hunched over the keyboard though, or at least slouched ;~)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great time with the folks and I'm heading on over now :~)
I am so glad I'm not the only one who is going to be hunchbacked! Maybe we should start a support group: Hunchback Writers' Association. No joining fee but you have to provide evidence of a hunch. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd now I'm off to the Royal Festival Hall to drink champagne on the terrace. I'll have a sip for all my fellow hunchbacks!
omg i know what you mean! it's so hard to not bend over the keyboard.. ugh. i try to sit up straight and tall, but...
ReplyDeletelol.
Posture problem? Here I am, lying in my bed, with my laptop suspended from the ceiling by a couple of ropes. Posture problem? Not at all.
ReplyDeleteI'm always having to remind myself to sit straight. I try and do yoga as well to loosen the muscles.
ReplyDeleteI totally feel ya on this. I'm always either leaning back or leaning forward with legs crossed in front or crossed at the ankle under the chair. Sometimes I make an effort to sit up straight with feet flat on the floor but I feel so tense doing it. *sigh* So sorry, I don't have any fixes...I need advice too!
ReplyDeleteHi Talli, funny you should mention that, in the Times yesterday in a little supplement that you wear to prevent 'the hunchback'.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely break with your parents.
Sorry, that should read in a little supplement, there was a device that you wear......
ReplyDeleteMy posture is terrible, my desk is too low, but I'm very happy because I won a copy of 24 hours:Paris. Thankyou for the link and can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see an invention of a computer desk that springs up like a desk chair so I can stand. I have slouch and lower back stuff going on. Glad to hear your company wasn't delayed by the ash!
ReplyDelete"...as if the proximity to my brain will enable diffusion or something."
ReplyDeleteHahaha!
I echo the masses -- I was totally hunching until I read this, then I leaned back in my chair. Except now it's harder to see. I really want to slump again.
I do have a posture issue, but I don't realize it until I've been sitting over the computer for a few hours and my back and shoulders hurt.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great visit with your parents this week!
If you get a chance, you should check out my first ever blog contest! The Pay it Forward Giveaway would make you happy, I bet! :D
Stretch throughout the day! Exercise helps, too. :)
ReplyDeleteHave fun visiting with your parents!
Talli,
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to slump when you're in front of your computer because you're so involved w/ what you're doing.
The best remedy is to get up & stretch at least once an hour--more if you have time. & continue w/ your regular exercise program.
You could also keep that picture on your wall near the computer as a friendly reminder!
Have fun w/ your parents visit. I'm sure they're so proud of their author daughter! :)
Sometimes I lay flat on my back on the floor at the end of the day and let gravity have its way with me. hahahah
ReplyDeleteI heard certain yoga and pilates moves help!!
ReplyDeleteBecause I have mild Scoliosis, I've had posture issues my whole life. Working at a keyboard all day doesn't help. I agree with Saumya and try to keep up with yoga classes.
ReplyDeleteI'm a total huncher/sloucher. I usually type in bed with my laptop on my lap, so yeah, I'll be joining your club in about twenty years. I'm a runner though and I do think exercise helps. At least it gets the kinks out. Enjoy your visit with your family!
ReplyDeleteYes! I have what my massage therapist calls "laptop back." Yes, he knew I had a laptop and I spent more time hunched over it a day than I'd like to admit before I even told him. A little scary ... :-)
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it, I hunch over my keyboard as well! Oh no! Am I going to turn into a hunchback?
ReplyDeleteMy posture stinks too. I'm constantly trying to straighten myself up. Crazy!
ReplyDeleteUrgh, I hunch forward all the time. I have to keep reminding myself to sit up straight.
ReplyDeleteAnd enjoy your visit! I hope you have a good time.
My posture is terrible too! Enjoy your time with your parents :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8246804-the-hating-game
ReplyDeleteYou are listed on goodreads! (Sorry no cover--only a goodreads "librarian" (whatever that is) can add covers, I think.)
I'm probably the worst person to offer any advice, given my back problems...I promise myself that I'll take more breaks from the computer, but 2 hours pass and I'm still slumped over my laptop.
ReplyDeleteI'm a terrible hunchback...sometimes I get up to stretch and crack, then it's back to bad posture again.
ReplyDeleteSo, they say (the mysterious 'they') that when you are attracted to someone, you automatically thrust your chest out and shoulders back. Perhaps have a few firemen about the house?
Whenever I eventually get a laptop, I am going to set up a standing desk arrangement so that at times I can stand while I'm on the computer. My butt and legs really start hurting when I sit too long. I try to take a walk every morning and get up frequently to stretch. Thank goodness I have stairs in my house to give me extra exercise.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
I am counting on yoga. Time will tell if three classes a week can counteract 40 hours + of hunching.
ReplyDeleteI've always had bad posture, even when I was a full time teacher so I can't blame the writing for that. I've tried Yoga, Pilates, even Alexander Technique. They only succeeded in draining my bank account. I think it's a condition of our times.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, my grandmother taught me to force the bottom of my butt flat so that the edge touched the chair, then lean forward. Thanks to her, my posture's great but I see that most people sit on a slightly (or very rounded) butt...this is what causes the upper body slump. Took a quick look at your eclair and ran for cover...am presently slimming and dying of starvation in spite of a decent lunch...
ReplyDeleteOh I hunch like crazy. My momma always tries to make me sit up straight but it's just comfortable to slouch!
ReplyDeleteIt's not a bit uncommon for my husband to lean in my office door and say, "Why are you hunched over with your face so close to the monitor?" I think 95% of my aches and pains are related to poor posture. I use exercises and positions from Pete Egoscue's book "Pain Free" and get a monthly therapeutic massage to help get me straightened out.
ReplyDeleteI'm frequently catching myself slumped over and then sit straight for all of about 2 minutes, when I forget to do so and seem to go back to my normal hunchbacked ways. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteI do know that pilates helps. I must do those more often...
Yoga helps me immensely but I don't really have the slouching problem anymore. But according to x-rays, my neck is too straight...apparently that's a problem with ballerinas. Funny, I was never a ballerina.
ReplyDeleteHaha this is a post I could really bond with. My ex-boyfriend used to say that I look like a hunched crab when I'm writing, and it's an awful, awful sight!
ReplyDeleteThese days I make a conscious effort to stop whatever I'm doing every ten minutes or so, take stock of my position (and rest my eyes) and then straighten up.
I have bad posture, really bad! Yoga has helped me a lot. I still need to work on it but you'd be surprised at how much a little stretching can do! Have fun with your parents!
ReplyDeletelol...same problem!!!
ReplyDeleteI've pretty much given up on good posture.
Although I hear it makes you look 10lbs slimmer when you have good posture, so maybe I should reevaluate.
My posture is dreadful but every fifteen minutes I force myself upright and stretch out my poor, abused muscles and then I get right back into typing.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm going to end up with a hunch for sure.