The first step towards making sure we’re always sitting up straight is to check our posture in the mirror. If we’re standing, we should be able to draw an imaginary straight line from the earlobe to the hip, the knee and the center of the ankle. If we can’t do that, it’s clear that something is not right in our posture and it needs correcting.

Individuals with poor posture start to suffer from aches and stiffness that may lead to chronic pain management down the road. It can leave you with headaches, fatigue (it takes way more energy to unnaturally support yourself) and tight back and neck muscles. Most people feel the symptoms of poor posture in the muscles around the base of the neck and near the shoulder blades. If this is not dealt with the soonest, then you could find yourself in trouble later in life.

One way to attain proper posture is to avoid sitting or standing in one position for too long. If you work at a desk all day, get up and move around every half hour. Also, make sure your workstation is set up properly, with your computer screen at eye level (looking up an extra five inches all day, five days a week can become a big pain in the neck – pun intended). Position your keyboard so your shoulders aren’t cramped up. And don’t be afraid to ask for an ergonomic chair, mouse pad and keyboard. Another tip on how to improve posture: Work your core. Sure, crunches and cardio are great for your abs, but it’s also important to strengthen muscles in the back to achieve and/or maintain proper posture.