8 Best TV Watching Positions for Maximum Comfort
We’ve all been there. A long day at work necessitates an adequate amount of time to unwind in the evening. This can involve a number of activities, from hitting the gym to cooking dinner. However, one activity that can’t be beat is dedicating a couple of hours to watching your favorite shows on TV.
Most of us simply opt to jump on the couch, and remain stationary in one position for the duration of their show. It is important to keep in mind these TV watching positions be doing more, unintended damage than you would normally believe. In order to keep your body as healthy as it can be while watching TV, you need to think about your TV watching positions through an ergonomic lens.
Here are the eight best TV watching positions for maximum comfort:
1. Level your TV
Your back isn’t the only factor you should consider when trying to watch your favorite shows on TV. In order to reduce the amount of eye strain you will face for longer sessions, make sure your TV is positioned accordingly. This entails placing it in a way that doesn’t force your eyes to look anywhere other than directly in front of you.
Most of us will usually have a TV placed on a stand that is at a mid-vision height. Make sure you get one of the TV stands designed to maximize the ergonomics of your viewing experience. Keeping your TV relative to this line of sight will reduce potential injury on your eyes, even if you watch TV for a few hours. Always try to keep your vision protected, even when watching your favorite shows.
2. Don’t slouch
Even though this TV watching position may feel comfortable, you shouldn’t slouch your back while sitting. Doing so only weakens your posture, and can add an inordinate amount of stress to your back and spine. This isn’t to say that you should sit fully upright at all times; this too can be counterintuitive and uncomfortable.
While sitting on a couch, for example, make sure your back is relatively straight. This will help alleviate the harm your back is bound to pick up overtime. For extra assistance, brace your back against the couch’s back rest. TV should only be viewed when you are at your most comfortable!
3. Change TV watching positions periodically
This TV watching tip may seem a bit obvious, but it is commonly ignored, especially when we become so absorbed into a specific TV show. If you remain stationary in one position for far too long, you will inevitably feel some discomfort. As such, don’t be afraid to change your seating arrangement every now and again.
Not only will this help reduce the strain your body accumulates, but helps you to physically readjust to a feeling of comfort. You may even find a new position that you prefer while watching TV. When in doubt, move around!
4. Stretching
When going on a Netflix binge, you may find it difficult to move from your favorite sitting position. However, as stated previously, discomfort is bound to arise when you stay in the same TV watching positions for a long time. Before you move to a new position, don’t forget to stretch!
Stand up, and extend your arms all the way up for maximum effect. This will recalibrate your body, so your next position won’t be as rough.
5. Avoid irregular TV watching positions
Sitting on a sofa to watch TV is common for many of us. However, sometimes we may sacrifice comfort for positions that we initially believe are actually comfortable. This includes using a cushion to rest the back of your head, which only leads to a crooked placement of your neck.
These lop-sided positions will inevitably impact your comfort levels. When adjusting your body to find that sweet spot, try to circumvent these positions entirely. Your body will thank you in the long run, especially when watching TV for hours on end.
6. Use pillows
When sitting upright while watching TV, it is important to keep your spine vertically aligned. When this is not possible, pillows are your friend! Not only will they provide great arch support, they are immensely comfortable as well. Even if you feel bored with your current sitting arrangement, a few pillows used properly will contribute to a healthier position overall.
7. Lying down
If you are of the type to lie down in order to watch TV, there is a proper way to do so. Try to lie down on your back, and have your screen aligned with your line of sight. This will mitigate the amount of discomfort you can feel while in this position. Just don’t fall asleep while the show is on.
8. Watching TV on your phone
Our smartphones are considered to be our third arm. We may even find ourselves watching our favorite shows on them, but be careful about using this TV watching position in the long term. Bending your neck downwards, or holding your phone to eye-level, can be an extremely uncomfortable viewing position. Always opt for a TV instead!
Although there are a plethora of ways to watch TV, not all of them are suggested. In terms of comfort level, you’ll always want to make sure your back, eyes and neck are given adequate support. Comfort doesn’t have to be a pipedream, when watching your favorite shows!
