At the end of a busy day, or even first thing on a Sunday morning, the sofa can seem an inviting place.

While some seats are merely practical, sofas are all about comfort and relaxation, right? Somewhere to slouch in front of your favourite TV show, or curl up with a good book.

Don't forget about your posture, though.

We all know that sitting up straight is important when we're sitting at a desk - and sofas are no different.

So show your spine some settee TLC, with these simple tips...

:: Don't slump

If you sit slouched, or slightly hunched over, you're likely to be piling the pressure on your lower back as it has to cope with the weight of your upper body. You'll need to strengthen your core and buttock muscles, so have a look at NHS Choices for some advice on exercises you can try out (www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Backpain/Pages/back-pain-and-common-posture-mistakes.aspx).

:: Make sure your lower back is supported

If there's a big gap between your lower back and the chair you're sitting on, you may need to make some adjustments (and this is something you should also keep an eye on if your job is a desk-bound one). Try and make sure your knees are level with your hips by adjusting your seat, or find yourself a foot rest.

:: Plant your feet flat on the floor

It's highly tempting to cross your legs nonchalantly, like that posh couple on Gogglebox, when you're watching TV (particularly if you have a glass of G&T in your hand). But this can put pressure on your lower back over time. So try and keep your feet on the floor and resist the urge to cross them or tuck them under you.

:: Avoid 'text neck'

Many of us go from spending our nine to five bent over a computer keyboard to whiling away the evening hunched over a phone or tablet. In fact, smartphone users now spend an average of two to four hours a day with their heads lowered. This can lead to that all too common feeling of being stiff and sore around your upper back, shoulder blades and neck. Save yourself a fortune on pricey massages and try lengthening your neck as you tuck in your chin as an exercise. Alternatively, why not go old school and give someone a call instead of texting them?

:: Don't get stuck in a rut

When there's a particularly gripping TV show on, it can be easy to develop the kind of rigor mortis seen in a Silent Witness corpse. But try and move around a bit to boost blood circulation. Shift position every half hour or so, or get up and walk around - even if it's just over to the kettle and back.

:: Get the family involved

Working on your posture takes time and effort - it feels a lot comfier lounging under your blanket than sitting up straight. Why not get your partner, kids or friends on board for the posture crusade? When one of you looks at risk of slumping like a soggy-bottomed cake on Bake Off, give each other a gentle nudge. Your backs will thank you for it.