Watching TV is a fun way for many people to relax and unwind, not to mention catch up on their favorite sport. If you happen to be a football fan, you are likely all too familiar with the aches and pains that can often accompany lounging and watching an all day event like the Superbowl. In order to avoid such problems and increase your comfort while watching the biggest game of the year, it may be a good idea to understand and implement a few key ergonomics tips.

Ergonomics is frequently associated with workplace safety and preventing occupational injuries, but studies are increasingly showing that ergonomics can be effectively applied to many other common motions related to daily life as well. All motions have an impact on the spine and it is just that impact that ergonomics seeks to correct in order to increase comfort and reduce the chance for injury.

If you plan to watch TV for an extended period of time, make sure you choose a chair that will provide firm enough seating for you to sit comfortably. Avoid slouching while watching TV. Be sure that your feet are either resting flat on the floor or on a low footstool. Your knees should be positioned so that they are slightly higher than the hips. Your back should be resting firmly against the back of the chair.

Keep in mind that while that recliner might seem to be comfortable enough, it is not built to bend at the same places as your body, so if you are going to be spending an extended period of time watching TV, it is best to opt for a different type of chair, such as a glider rocker.

Make sure that you do not cross your legs at the knees. If you have any existing back conditions, this will only aggravate them, not to mention impact circulation to the lower limbs.

Avoid using an arm of the sofa as a pillow while watching TV. Ideally, your eyes should be positioned so that they are direct with the TV. If not, you could experience strain placed on the neck.

It may only come one time per year, but spending extended hours watching the Superbowl can place more strain than you might imagine on various parts of the body if you do not take care by practicing proper ergonomics. Doing so can help to ensure that even after the game is over and whether or not your team has won, you will not suffer from any undue strains.