With the rapid development of technology, we have become a society that sits most of the time. You are sitting in front of the TV, the computer, in the car, and eight hours at work. That’s a lot of sitting, right? And you don’t need science to show you all the negative outcome of sitting. You are already feeling it – back pain, bad posture, increased weight, poor blood circulation, low energy and the list goes on.
If you are a full time “sitter”, you might want to include a few standing hours into your work routine. And this shouldn’t affect your productivity – even Ernest Hemingway and other famous writers stood up to write. And considering the vast range of ergonomic stand-up desks you can buy, standing while working has never been easier! Upgrading your workspace with a stand-up desk can have many great benefits for you.
What Is a Standing Desk?
Also known as a sit-stand desk or height-adjustable desk, a standing desk allows you to stand while working comfortably. From the early static versions to today’s electric models, standing desks have come a long way. Contemporary models are not only functional but also available in a wide range of finishes and colours that can fit into any workplace design.
The adjustable feature allows you to enjoy a lower than usual sitting position or a taller than usual standing position with just one button click. Some models come with a memory switch with up to 9 (3 x 3 users) memory positions that can be customised to your requirements. If you think your office could benefit from a standing desk buy one with a three-stage leg mechanism, to provide you with an extensive range of height adjustment.
Prefabricated models usually feature a cable dust hole in the centre but some sellers offer the option to choose a custom position for the cable dust hole. Standing desks can have capacity up to 120 kg, meaning you can safely store all the computers, monitors and other heavy work equipment.
Increases Energy and Improves Productivity
It’s natural to feel stagnant and unmotivated if you’ve been sitting for hours. Now imagine how years and years of sitting at work may affect you. However, standing up more often is a good way to become more energised.
While you are standing, your blood flows more easily, which means more oxygen comes to your muscles. And more oxygen means more energy. All the extra positive energy from combining sitting with standing enables you to be more productive at work. A study shows that people who use standing desks end up being more productive than those sitting during working hours.
So, when you have trouble focusing on a troublesome project, try to do it standing up and see how your energy levels instantly rise.
Reduces Back Pain and Improves Posture
Sitting too much can be detrimental to your posture and cause back issues. It can cause your hip flexors to shorten and hurt your back. Also, poor posture while sitting can cause compression on the discs in your spine and can lead to premature degeneration, which results in chronic back pain.
When standing upright you are increasing your core strength and improving your posture, which contributes to a better back. Newer models of standing desks are controlled electronically, so there’s no need to awkwardly crank them when you want to stand – which in itself could result in back issues.
Additionally, the standing desk can help you balance both standing and sitting. Whenever you feel uncomfortable sitting, you can stand up and continue the good work.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
According to studies, people who stand up every 30 minutes have significant reductions in blood sugar levels, compared to people who are sitting for 8 hours without standing up often. It’s estimated that standing every half hour can lower blood sugar levels by about 11% compared to sitting for most of the day.
When considering a standing desk buy an electrically adjustable model so you can add bouts of standing to your workday. Although standing isn’t technically active, it still gives you the ability to move your arms and legs more while you are working. Getting up on your feet can help lower blood sugar and cholesterol which in turn, reduces your risk for heart disease.
Better Communication and Team Building
Standing in the office gives you better visibility over your colleagues and also flexibility in communication. With a standing desk, it’s easy to catch your colleagues’ attention and discuss a task or talk about lunch plans. An office with standing desks can have a more easygoing atmosphere with open communication.
What Is the Best Way to Use a Standing Desk?
First off, make sure your standing desk is adjusted properly for your body. With modern models that feature three or more adjustable position, this shouldn’t be a problem.
If you are using a computer at work, the viewing angle is very important – the top of the monitor should be slightly lower than eye level so the viewer is looking down at an angle of about 15 degrees.
It’s also essential to ease into a standing routine. If you are used to sitting throughout the working hours, your body may not be ready to stand at your desk for the same amount of time. Initially, you can try standing for shorter intervals, like 15 at a time. Later, try combining every hour of sitting with 30 minutes of standing.
That being said, there is no reason why you shouldn’t give a standing desk a chance. However, it’s important to remember that you can’t feel all the benefits from the first day, you need to be patient and persistent. The results will come, eventually.
