Our grandmothers often shared advice filled with common sense. “Put your feet flat on the floor” wasn’t just a lesson in manners. Sitting with both feet flat, spaced about hip-width apart, allows for better weight distribution and promotes a more balanced posture.
This position also helps you feel more stable, lightly engages the core muscles, and creates a sense of grounding. Today, we would simply call it ergonomics—but the idea is the same: respecting how the body is naturally designed.
How to change without forcing yourself
If you’ve crossed your legs your whole life, there’s no need to stop overnight. The key is variety. For example, you can cross your ankles instead of your knees, which reduces tension while maintaining an elegant posture.
It’s also important to listen to your body. If you feel the urge to move, stand up for a few minutes, stretch, or change position. Sometimes, crossing your legs is simply a sign that the chair is too high. A small footrest can make all the difference.