Stand with your back against a wall, bottom touching it, feet a little in front. Now drop the top half of your body forward from the waist, as though you were a cloth puppet and someone had let go of your strings. Very slowly unwind your spine back up against the wall, as though it were a tape measure and you were measuring the wall with it. Start with your bottom and unwind slowly, gradually standing upright, until first your shoulders and finally the back of your head are touching the wall. If this has been a helpful exercise, your back will feel far more comfortable and far less strained. You will also have found a better position for your hips and spine when you’re standing.

Other tips-If too much standing makes your feet swell, or gives you a dragging sensation low down in your belly, you might find it helps to relax for a few minutes with your feet higher than your head. This is also useful if you suffer from varicose veins or piles. One method is to lie on the floor at the foot of a low divan or bed and rest your feet and calves on the edge. Or you can relax on a slope by propping your ironing board (or any other board) against a low divan or armchair, and lying with your head supported on a pile of cushions. It’s more comfortable than it sounds!

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