Energy feeling zapped? We have a hunch your posture is to blame...

How is your neck feeling? Lower back? Shoulders? Are you having frequent headaches?

How many hours a day are you in front of a screen? Laptop, phone, tablet, any device?

As a personal trainer, I am finding more and more clients with mobility limitations and chronic pain issues. These days, with more Zoom meetings than ever and working from home, we spend so much time hunched over our devices with our giant 10 lb heads weighing down our necks. We lose track of time, and before we know it, we feel worn out, tired, sore, and achy. And why? Because we are not breathing properly, we are not sitting properly, and we are not taking enough breaks and moving around. Simple movements, such as raising your arms straight overhead, can be nearly impossible with poor posture (or in the fitness world, it's called Upper Crossed Syndrome, characterized by a forward head and rounded, hunched shoulders).

If this sounds like you, try this simple fix:

Pretend you are tucking your shoulder blades into your back pockets. Sit or stand up straight, square your shoulders, and then tuck in those shoulder blades! Do this every 30 minutes or so during the work or school day.

A few other ways to revive your energy and maintain your posture during the long winter work days:

* Grab a stability ball, swap out your regular chair and sit on the ball. Roll around on it, stretch your hip flexors, bounce a bit. Put some fun into your work day! Click here for a stability ball recommendation.

* Drink your water! The average person should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water each day. Dehydration is a huge reason why we start to feel tired and lethargic during the day.

* Breathe! Do you ever find yourself holding your breath while working and deep in thought? Connect with your breath. Take a deep breath and at the top of it, hold for a count of three and let it go. Do this a few times and then let your breath come naturally.

Cheers to your health & wellness! Come back next week and we'll talk about the winter blues...See you soon, sunshines!