Standing in the incorrect way, or more specifically too straight, can be just as damaging to your posture long term as slouching over your desk.

You could argue that if you’re not sitting or lying down, invariably you’re walking and not standing static for hours on end. However, we’ve unearthed some rather interesting but alarming statistics that highlight how long we actually spend standing.

In an average lifetime we would have spent six months queuing, which is nearly three days a year, according to a survey by auction site madbid.com. For those who commute regularly, you may or may not be surprised to hear that 653 hours will be consumed waiting for your beloved train.

And, although a little controversial but completely legal within newly-designated areas, smokers in the workplace will spend approximately 160 days having cigarette breaks. We’re fairly sure that when employers see this staggering sum, they may re-think their internal policies!

A man standing waiting for a train

So, it’s clear that we do in fact devote a significant amount of time standing up during our lifetime. These little, daily routines seem innocuous, but can so easily be taken for granted, and over many years potentially be detrimental to our posture and health.

Posture People acknowledge that millions of us have to endure such activities every day of the week, but we want to ensure that your back doesn’t suffer in the process. With the help of our quick and easy tips, waiting for your train or queuing at the Post Office hopefully won’t distress your posture, even if it can be a bore.

Making a stand

Sustaining a good posture is fairly effortless as we only use 14 out of 640 muscles for standing. Although bad posture is synonymous with slouching, standing up straight, protruding your chest and tilting the head back is actually just as damaging. You should also watch out for leaning down onto one hip, as well as pulling your shoulders back too.

Try to keep the majority of your weight evenly spread over all your foot as opposed to the heels or toes. Your arms should hang down naturally too. We appreciate that this posture is difficult to execute every time you’re standing, but by introducing it to your habitual routines when you can will certainly make a noticeable difference when you’re older.

Good posture can make you happy!

Bad posture can lead to your muscles shortening, and ultimately, you shrinking! If, for example, you’re anxious and stressed just before an important speech or presentation, then try standing with one foot behind the other rather than leaning down onto your hip. Your body will be more balanced, as well as you exuding more confidence. Remember that people who appear to be lacking confidence, irrespective of the situation, do look figuratively and physically down.

Seek professional advice and support

We should never self-diagnose posture complaints, so if you’re experiencing reoccurring or persistent back problems, then you should consult a specialist as soon as possible. Although we are experts in ergonomic seating solutions and office furniture, we know that comfort is important at all times – in the home or at work. Waiting for your train has never been so good for your posture!