What Is Your Lawn Chair Doing For Your Health?

When setting out to take in the nice weather, amenities can make all the difference. Bug spray, sunscreen, and additional items are what make outdoor time enjoyable. Especially for those of us who are less outdoorsy than others. Additionally, picnic tables make a great place to plop and eat a snack, blankets can help keep the grass at bay, and chairs, they’re likely the best amenity of them all. Who wants to sit on the ground – near gravel or sand – when you can sit up elevated and with support? Even the most outdoorsy of us all prefer a chair. But it’s also important to consider the quality of said chair. Even more so when dealing with back pain or needing a little extra spinal strength.

Which is why, when purchasing a lawn chair, it’s important to consider how it will affect your back health. “Bag” chairs are easier for travel, but also sink and don’t provide any support for the spine or coccyx areas. In contrast, metal or plastic chairs that are too hard can create a surface that’s painful over time. In either scenario, a seat cushion can help create a softer, more back-friendly surface. Many options are made for easy travel, and can help transform any portable chair into one that will sit upright, not sink and/or deteriorate. 

More expensive chairs will also offer these types of perks on their own. Often heavier, these versions are made to withstand weight without dipping, while still holding up the back into place. Talk to your doctor about what positions you should and should not be sitting in, and ask their recommendation for choosing a proper lawn chair. That way, each time you set out to enjoy Mother Nature, you can be sure that your sitting surface is there to provide extra spinal strength, not aches and pains. 

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4 Everyday Situations that Cause us to Hunch

More often than not, slouching is a subconscious decision. When becoming relaxed or simply losing track of what we’re doing throughout the day, our bodies can slide into a hunched routine. Let’s face it, it’s just more comfortable. Even in the world’s most posture-inducing chair, can’t make us sit up straight 100% of the time. We’re just natural slouchers. But that also doesn’t mean we can’t be more aware of activities that cause us to hunch more than others.

To stay on top of proper posture, remember to be fully aware the back’s alignment when:

Walking Quickly

There’s something about being in a hurry that causes us to put our noses down. The next time you’re walking faster than your normal, leisurely pace, remember to hold your chin steady and up off the ground. This is especially true for when holding an umbrella, or other elements such as sun or wind cause you to avert your line of sight. 

Being Tired

Nights where you don’t get enough rest are more likely to cause slouching than almost any other form of sleeping. Whether being tired puts you in a bad mood or simply creates an environment in which you’d rather be cozy, be aware of this slouch-inducing cause each time you wake up drowsier than normal. 

Poor Discipline

The more often you work to remind yourself of your posture, the more aware you’ll be of each sitting position. Even subconsciously. Rather than ignoring your spine’s routine, look to subtle reminders throughout the day that will allow you to be more aware of how your back is aligned for each movement.

Desk Work

While working – especially typing – at a desk might be a necessary task, it’s also one that creates regular hunching posture. Look into shoulder and back position each time you sit down to improve your body’s everyday posture. Even when the environment doesn’t promote it. 

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