Proper posture is important to remember whether we’re walking, standing, or sitting. It protects us from back pain, shoulder pain, neck strain, headaches, poor breathing, and repetitive strain injuries, which are possible side effects of poor posture.

Simply aiming to sit upright isn’t enough to maintain proper posture, especially over long periods. Other interventions are often needed to support a healthy posture naturally during any activity. When it comes to gaming, we can use many techniques and tools to enhance our posture and keep us comfortable and as pain-free as possible. Let’s explore six posture-enhancing interventions, from seating to mindfulness, for your gaming sessions.

1. Understand Proper Sitting Posture

As surprising as it may sound, everyone’s posture is unique, as is each of our bodies. That said, there are a few overarching best practices to enhance your body’s natural posture to protect your spine. Maintaining proper posture while sitting in front of a gaming system includes keeping your head aligned above your shoulders and your shoulders above your hips. It may help to slowly inhale and brace your core (you can do this by imagining pulling your belly button in towards your spine) and roll your shoulders back and away from your ears.

Positioning your lower body carefully can also help maintain proper posture. Ideally, keep both feet flat on the floor, knees bent at a 90-degree angle, and ankles separated. To maintain this position, consider using a cushion or lumbar support. If your feet can’t reach the floor, use a footrest to support your legs and alleviate pressure on your spine.

2. Find the Right Chair

The right chair can help you gravitate to the proper lower and upper body alignment for your posture without needing to make frequent adjustments. You’ll want to look for an ergonomic option where you can adjust the settings to your needs, such as raising and lowering the chair’s height or moving the lumbar support to the best position for your lower back. A chair with armrests can also help support proper posture by allowing you to use your arms to align your upper body. A headrest can support your neck and head, especially during extended gameplay.

The ideal chair will also be comfortably cushioned as long hours of gameplay require the ultimate level of comfort. Additionally, consider the materiality of the chair. Choose a material that prevents sliding, which can lead to poor posture.

3. Monitor Placement

How you position your monitor or monitors can also hugely impact your sitting posture. Once your chair is correctly set to your posture needs, consider the best height and angle to position your monitor so you’re not straining to see the screen. You’ll want your monitor at a height where you don’t have to angle your head too high or low and at an arms-length distance; the ideal height and distance will vary based on individual build. Ideally, the top of your monitor should be at eye level and tilted slightly upwards to prevent neck strain.

4. Desk Setup

When it comes to your desk, one that is height-adjustable will allow you to align its height with your chair and position your keyboard and mouse comfortably, reducing wrist strain. Your desktop should be spacious and clutter-free so you can comfortably use your keyboard and mouse without compromising your posture. Place your keyboard directly in front of your monitor and at a distance that allows you to keep your arms at a 90-degree angle while typing. Keep your mouse next to your keyboard to maintain the ideal arm angle and reduce wrist strain while using it.

5. Exercises & Stretches

Even with these interventions in place, you may still feel tension or discomfort, and taking part in stretches and exercises can help relieve these and limit them. Since your posture is closely connected to your spine, which links it to the rest of your body, most exercises can help you improve your posture by strengthening supportive muscles. However, if you’re set on focusing on your spinal health and muscles directly supporting it, exercises such as wall sits, planks, and bird dogs are helpful.

If you feel tightness in your back or neck, stretches including forward fold, child pose, downward facing dog, and pigeon pose can help relieve it. Be mindful of any discomfort you feel when exercising and stretching, and speak with a professional to ensure you’re not doing more harm than good.

6. Additional Tips & Tools

Taking plenty of breaks benefits your posture and overall well-being when gaming for long periods. You can use this time to stretch or walk and then return to your gaming station refreshed and able to return to a proper posture. In addition, practising mindfulness periodically throughout your gaming session can help you keep your posture in check and serve as a break to help you avoid eyestrain. Meanwhile, proper lighting can help you see your desktop clearly without straining, which protects your posture and eyes.

Conclusion

Whether you’re exploring Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree or trying your luck at an online casino, your gaming setup can help you maintain proper posture. With plenty of casino options available through BonusFinder, you can enjoy the possibility of winning real money through slot games, poker games, or Blackjack with your posture adequately supported; get on it now to enjoy hours of entertainment. With the tips outlined here, you can game as much as you’d like while keeping your posture and well-being in check.