female stretching at desk
Read time: 1 min

Rate this article and enter to win

—Angel J.*, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Your posture is leading to some imbalance and probably overusing certain muscle groups. It’s a common ergonomic problem, especially during exam times.

How to improve your study posture

  • Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the ground.
  • Allow your elbows to rest comfortably at your side or be supported by the arms of your chair.
  • Center your head over your spine and let your back be comfortably supported by the chair.
  • Make sure your desktop is at the height of your hands, allowing your wrists to sit in a neutral position.

❗️Important: Be sure to get up and move around a little every 30–45 minutes. Roll your neck and shoulders. Bring your shoulders together for a count of five, and then relax them. Now cross your arms across your chest as far as you comfortably can. Try 5–10 sets of these.

While you’re at it, do some eye calisthenics, such as focusing on something as far away as possible for a little while. Personally, I like to watch birds, though I sometimes get distracted for a little too long. Oh, well.

Keep in mind that even perfect posture can get painful after a while. Remember that your muscles are at work holding up your head and back, even when you’re still. Think of it this way: You wouldn’t expect to be able to jog for hours without resting your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. The same is true for the postural muscles.

*Name changed


What was the most interesting thing you read in this article?

Have you seen at least one thing on that you will apply to everyday life?
Have you seen at least one thing on that caused you to get involved, ask for help, utilize campus resources, or help a friend?
If you could change one thing about , what would it be?
Are there any other topics or angles you would like to see in , that we haven't covered?
First name: ?

Last name:

E-mail:

I do not reside in Nevada Or Hawaii:

Want to increase your chances to win?

Refer up to 3 of your friends and when each visits , you will receive an additional entry into the weekly drawing.

Please note: Unless your friend chooses to opt-in, they will never receive another email from after the initial referral email.

Email 1:

Email 2:

Email 3:


What was the most interesting thing you read in this article?

Have you seen at least one thing on that you will apply to everyday life?
Have you seen at least one thing on that caused you to get involved, ask for help, utilize campus resources, or help a friend?
If you could change one thing about , what would it be?
Are there any other topics or angles you would like to see in , that we haven't covered?
First name: ?

Last name:

E-mail:

I do not reside in Nevada Or Hawaii:

Want to increase your chances to win?

Refer up to 3 of your friends and when each visits , you will receive an additional entry into the weekly drawing.

Please note: Unless your friend chooses to opt-in, they will never receive another email from after the initial referral email.

Email 1:

Email 2:

Email 3:


Have you seen at least one thing on that you will apply to everyday life?
Have you seen at least one thing on that caused you to get involved, ask for help, utilize campus resources, or help a friend?
Are there any other topics or angles you would like to see in , that we haven't covered?
First name: ?

Last name:

E-mail:

I do not reside in Nevada Or Hawaii:

Want to increase your chances to win?

Refer up to 3 of your friends and when each visits , you will receive an additional entry into the weekly drawing.

Please note: Unless your friend chooses to opt-in, they will never receive another email from after the initial referral email.

Email 1:

Email 2:

Email 3:


Individuals under the age of 13 may not enter or submit information to this giveaway.
Your data will never be shared or sold to outside parties. View our Privacy Policy. TERMS & CONDITIONS

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR