The state of one’s rear is likely not the forefront of your everyday thoughts. It might pop up in passing or as you sit down on a comfortable (or not so comfortable) surface. But for the most part, it’s unlikely you spend much of your day worried about your backside. Despite its lack of attention, however, the rear spends much of its day supporting you. Allowing you to sit up straight. To stay comfortable at your desk. To drive without hassle. Even to stand and walk, and get from place to place. Yet out of all of its daily and tasks, the bum is severely overlooked.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone in ignoring the posterior. The majority of the population falls into this habit. Just like we don’t have to think about breathing throughout the day – our body just takes care of it – we rarely analyze different body parts and how they hold us together. At least consistently.

But it doesn’t take rounds of daily efforts to give your rear some respect. Just a few maintenance efforts can lay the proper groundwork. Groundwork that’s able to support and cushion your sitting surface(s) each and every day, for as long as you’re on your backside.

(Though it’s unhealthy to sit too frequently. If you’re worried about the amount of time spent in a chair, talk to your doctor. Or discuss various standing options with your boss, such as taller desks or a schedule that allows for frequent walking breaks.)

Support Your Rear By:

Updating Your Chair – When is the last time you got a new work chair? Or a new recliner to relax in at home? Wherever you spend most of your sitting time, it’s a good idea to advance and upgrade in order to ensure a supportive surface.

Adding a Cushion – Create and extra level of foam for your backside with the help of a specialized cushion. These come in all shapes and sizes, as well as functions, and can increase the lifespan of any chair.

Sitting up Straight – Slouching can hurt the back, but it can also create unnecessary pressure on the bum. Sit up straight, or find a chair with a cushioned back for a better leaning surface.

Foot Placement – Are your feet flat on the floor? Are they dangling? Stretched out and crossed? If not flat, you could be hosting too much weight on your backside. Instead opt for an adjustable chair for a height that can be changed as needed.

Sitting Breaks – If you sit throughout the day – whether at work or relaxing at home, take moving breaks to keep the blood flowing. Go on short walks, run errands, or perform tasks to give the rear a break and gain the legs some circulation.

Proper Shoes – When standing or walking, the feet can greatly affect how one’s weight is distributed on the body. Look to shoes that hold and cradle one’s feet so that the rear can better “sit” in its upright position.

Eat and Drink Better – Consuming too much sugar or junk food can body down the digestion process, reducing circulation and vitamin flow in the process. Instead, take in healthy substances and plenty of water to ensure the rear (and the rest of the body) is able to work properly through all of its functions.

By adopting a few simply adjustments, those of all daily routines can work toward habits that better support the rear. And offer more comfort and support in the process. No matter your timeline spent sitting vs. standing, use these at-home tips for an easy and effective way to import your sitting health.