Have you ever thought about the benefits of a standing desk? So many people are oblivious to the dangers of sitting for too long. Several studies have linked weight gain and obesity to prolonged sitting. If you sit a lot every day, especially at work, you have a high risk of getting heart disease, as well as an increased risk of diabetes. All of these ailments can lead to premature death. As much as a daily routine all over the world involves sitting too much for some people, it calls for concern if not checked properly.
There are several health hazards attributed to sitting for too long. However, these health hazards can be reduced through several approaches. One way is the use of a standing desk. A standing desk is a desk that is built to have an elevated height, thereby giving you room to work comfortably while standing. It is sometimes referred to as a stand-up desk, a sit-stand desk, or an adjustable desk. Modern designs of these desks are adjustable to enable a sitting or standing situation. Not all tasks can be done with a standing desk. Activities such as taking a quick call, or replying to a quick email can be done while standing.
Personally, I think it’s a great concept to stand sometimes, instead of sitting all day staring at a computer display. However, there are some misconceptions about standing desks, one of which says that staying upright requires more work and calories, than sitting. Is it true, however, that a standing desk can help you avoid or even lose weight? Let’s take a look at the benefits you can get while working at a standing desk.
5 Benefits of a Standing Desk
There’s a new study that indicates not nearly enough calories are burned while standing at your desk, compared to walking for a few mins during your lunch break at the office. That being said, there are other benefits you could get from making use of a standing desk. Here are the 5 benefits:
Posture Improvement
A standing desk, when used properly, can help you maintain a healthy posture at work or at home. Your monitor should be placed at eye level, about 20 inches from your face, with a 20-degree tilt for ergonomic work situations. Your arms should also be bent at a 100-degree angle. The wrists should be comfortably placed above the keyboard, and body weight should be transferred evenly between the legs. Standing often will make the proper posture position second nature, and it will relieve the compression on your spine that sitting can cause. Sitting for long periods can put stress on your back and discs, causing back, shoulder, and neck pain.
Boosts Your Mood and Focus
Standing up after a long period of sitting can help boost your mood and align your focus. This can come in handy during a workday that seems long, or where you are often distracted. According to a study at Texas A&M University research, people in call centers who stood up at work were 50 percent more productive. Standing makes us feel better, and we’re usually in a better mood when we’re feeling well. As a side effect of standing at work, participants in standing studies at work reported improved mood. With a standing desk, it’s easy to make eye contact with a colleague and have a quick chat, compared to waiting for breaks in-between. So, if you’re having a slow day at work (or if you’re feeling depressed), get up!
Improves Productivity
There are studies that have shown to increase productivity while standing over a desk at work. The British Medical Journal published a study that involved 146 NHS employees. It indicated that more than half of them had switched from traditional office desks to flexible standing office desks. The result of this switch indicated an improved productivity level, amidst a lower number of related musculoskeletal complaints. Because standing also boosts mood and stamina, adopting a standing desk is more likely to help than harm productivity. Standing rather than sitting all day is healthier for your wellbeing. Although standing isn’t necessarily active, it does allow you to move around more while you work. When standing at your desk, you can move your arms and legs more freely which can help increase productivity.
Reduces Health Risks
Prolonged sitting has been linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and, in some cases, cancer. You can incorporate periods of standing into your workplace by using a standing desk. Getting up and moving around, even for short walks, can help to lower blood sugar and cholesterol, thus lowering your risk of heart disease. Sitting is an activity that lowers your metabolism rate, thus increasing the risk of developing diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, breaking up long periods of sitting with standing and walking decreases postprandial glucose, insulin, and NEFA levels in diabetic women.
Enhances Better Circulation
Standing desks improve blood circulation, which has a variety of health benefits. When you opt to stand at your desk rather than sit, you will have improved blood flow. Sitting reduces circulation, which can lead to swollen ankles, blood clots, peripheral neuropathy, and varicose veins, among other health problems. Considering standing improves circulation in your feet, you should get up and stretch, stand, and walk around during the day to stay healthy.
Final Thoughts
Standing will be your key to living a healthier life if you work a sedentary lifestyle. The use of a standing desk helps to lower health risks such as heart disease and diabetes. Standing can help you improve your posture while also minimizing neck and back pains if you use good ergonomics. Increased movement throughout the day can aid in improving circulation and activity. Regardless of whether you decide to go with the standing desk or ergonomic chair, make sure you have the right desk accessories to keep your working environment comfortable. Overall, if you limit the amount of time you spend sitting each day, you will reap several health benefits and may even extend your life.