Yes, it’s school time! The joy, the excitement, the exhilaration is in the air! The feel of new books, the delight of new stationery, the thrill of reuniting with friends and getting to play chase and cricket in playground!

It’s one of the best times of the year; the time cherished and looked forward to throughout the summer holidays. And amongst all the preparations for going back to school comes preparing backpacks, our most prized possession in school. We fill our backpacks with books, stationery, water bottle, lunch box, basically everything we have related to school.

However, in the process of placing things in it, we tend to make it so heavy that eventually carrying backpack becomes akin to carrying a large stone on our back. Carrying such a heavy backpack is not only uncomfortable but also hazardous and dangerous. It makes one prone to falling, getting injuries and, most importantly, suffer from back pains and muscles strain.

Knowing the fact that backpacks are a staple of school life, we need to take a few measures to make carrying stuff a bit less troubling! So today, let’s educate ourselves in this regard.

Structure

While it is not necessary to buy a new bag for every new session, whenever you do, look at the construction of the bag. When you go to the shop, refrain from getting excited by the appearance of the bag as it’s very easy to get caught in the trap of gimmicks and compromise on your own health.

Go for the bag that is best suited for carrying weight. A sturdy backpack with a defined structure and padded back eases carrying books, unlike the soft backpacks which do not hold their own shape.

Another point to be kept in mind is the number of compartments in the bag; the more the compartments, the better it is. With several individualised compartments, things are distributed and organised well, consequently distributing the weight evenly.

Weight

The main focus should be the weight you carry to school daily; the more the weight is, the greater the chances of problems arising due to it. The first step you can take to reduce the weight is at the time you go to buy a new bag. Look for lightweight material, for example canvas is preferable as opposed to leather as leather has its own significant weight.

You can also minimise the load by planning what to put in the bag. Make it a point to carry only necessary items. Pack your bag daily according to the timetable rather than stuff everything in bag, and haul it all the way to and back from school.

Width

Avoid carrying backpacks with their width smaller or larger than your back; it is preferable that the width should be of the same size as that of your back. While this may be a small or apparently insignificant trait of a school bag, yet its importance is immense.Waist straps Waist belt, if present in backpacks, is an added benefit as it helps carrying load without putting a burden on the back. Added to this, it aids in keeping the bag from swaying to and fro and helps keep it close to the body. It can’t be denied that buckling and unbuckling the waist strap over and over becomes a bit of a hassle, but you should remember that it is only for your own benefit.

Shoulder straps

It is also required that the straps are padded and broad. Padding is required to prevent the straps from cutting into the skin when carrying the bag. Also the larger the width of the straps, the lesser the pressure exerted on the shoulders.

Pack correctly

A great way to manage the load is by packing the stuff correctly. Keep the heaviest items close the body as it reduces strain on the spine. Also utilise the available compartments in your bag and even out the weight.

Lift it safely

It is also vital that you lift the backpack correctly ensuring your safety.

Maintain correct posture when lifting backpack; do not lean forward. Simply wear the bag by squatting down, bending your knees, keeping your back straight. If still lifting the bag is difficult or if you need to lean forward to prevent yourself from hauling backwards, you have clearly exceeded the optimum weight — reduce the weight in the bag.

Wear it safely

Wearing the bag properly is vital for maintaining the correct posture. Wearing backpack on only one shoulder has become “cool” for many, especially boys, these days. However, as almost every time the old ways of life have proven to be healthy and preferable, using both straps is best suited. It helps carrying load evenly without causing burden on one side of the body, therefore maintaining body balance and preventing accidental fall.

If your bag has waist straps, don’t avoid using it. Furthermore, adjust the shoulder straps length so that the backpack is not hanging in the air, rather it snugly fits to your body.

So keep in mind these points during the new session ahead and you will have a stress-free and ache-free school life!

Happy school time!

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 06th, 2016