"The most important way to improve your posture — which might not be as obvious — is to exercise. The more that your muscles are primed, the easier it will be in everyday life to use them," says Dr. Shah. "Taking 15 to 20 minutes per day getting your blood moving is a great way to get your muscles primed."

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We already know that ongoing poor posture can not only result in pain down the road, but that it's expensive, difficult, and takes time to fix. Investing up-front in your health is ideal. The following are a great place to start:

· A high-quality, ergonomic office chair: Yalamanchili specifically recommends the Herman-Miller Aeron, $995, which he says "is a great tool to keep your postures optimal." It isn't cheap by any means, and there are some decent alternatives, but it's definitely one of the best options out there.

· A supportive pillow: It might feel too indulgent to spend money on a fancy pillow, but these can be major game changers in the quality of your sleep and your overall posture and health. For example, BEDGEAR's Storm Series Pillow, $199, comes in four individually personalized fits to provide maximized support. It also has a removable and washable cover for easy cleaning, which extends its life.

· A quality mattress: Invest in a quality mattress that provides you support where you need it, including your neck and spine. Replace old mattresses that have you tossing and turning or waking up stiff and sore. If you don't have the money for a new mattress just yet, consider a foam topper.

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