Your body's posture

Most of us have felt some kind of upper‑body discomfort — shoulders, wrists, neck, back. It’s so common that we often shrug it off… until it starts getting in the way.

Let’s call it what it is: YBP — Your Body’s Posture (and sometimes, Your Body’s Protest). When something feels off, your body is signalling. And signals are useful.

We can group the common causes into five categories: mindset, work environment, body patterns, lifestyle, and life events.

Mindset

Sometimes our beliefs about pain shape how we respond to it. Here are a few familiar ones people notice in themselves:

  • I never feel pain.

  • It will go away.

  • I don't have time or money to fix my pain.

  • I don't like to exercise.

  • I don't feel motivated.

Work Environment

Small ergonomic tweaks often make a big difference.

  • Wrong chair type (arm rests and wheels should be able to move, back support).

  • Desks with drawers blocking leg space.

  • Lack of monitor, or wrong monitor height.

  • Keyboard too far away from our arms.

  • Standard mouse creating an unnatural wrist position.

  • No wrist support.

Body Patterns

Our bodies fall into familiar shapes, especially when we are focused or stressed.

  • Mummy pose: long hours sitting still.

  • Quasimodo pose: slouched position.

  • Stone pose: little or no physical activity.

  • Nutrition gaps.

  • Relying on quick fixes.

  • Not taking breaks from the screen.

Lifestyle

Modern life isn’t designed with our bodies in mind, so we often adapt in ways that aren’t ideal.

  • Looking down at your phone.

  • You might find Office furniture offensive for your home.

  • Limited space for proper DSE (Display Screen Equipment) setup.

  • Carrying bags on one side (backpack, shopping bags, shoulder bags).
  • Incorrect footwear leading to imbalance or altered walking patterns.

Life Events

Sometimes discomfort comes from what’s happening around us.

  • Accidents.

  • Stressful periods.

  • Big changes affecting body or mind.

Shift the patterns

Small, consistent shifts can make a real difference.

  • Find a fun physical activity you can do regularly.

  • Build posture awareness.

  • Set up reminders to move or reset.

  • Notice your mindset.

Awareness is the first step. Once you see the pattern, you can shift it.