Relax into the right posture

Poised seating: 1. Use a chair with a level seat. If the chair is too low, add a firm cushion; if it is too high, place a support under your feet. 2. Sit so your weight is balanced on the ischia (seat bones), the two bony projections at the base of your pelvis. 3. Place your feet flat on the floor with your weight divided equally between the heels and the fronts of the feet. 4. Instead of slumping against the backrest, think of lengthening your spine while letting the chair support your weight. 5. Let your head pivot forward and up from the top joint (the atlanto-occipital joint), ensuring you do not pull the head back or stiffen the neck. — Graphics: Dr SITARAMARAO NAGESWERARAV

Modern life often places immense stress on our bodies, leading to backaches and stiff necks that many people mistakenly accept as a normal part of ageing.

However, by recognising the relationship between the head, neck and back as the “primary control” of our functioning, we can use conscious direction to allow our bodies to work more freely.