Benefits of Standing Desks for Improved Health and Productivity
Ergonomic Benefits of Standing Desks for Health and Productivity
In today’s fast-paced economy, people often find themselves spending long hours at their desks, hunched over computers. This modern (sedentary) lifestyle takes a huge toll on their bodies, causing a slouched posture and strained neck that results in body aches and, worse, lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Do you feel unproductive and sluggish while sitting at your desk all day? If so, an ergonomic standing desk is just what you need. Standing desk benefits go beyond offering a change of pace from the usual 9-5 routine – they enhance physical health and boost efficiency.
According to a report, India’s annual GDP could hit US$50 Bn if every adult bids goodbye to a sedentary lifestyle.
So, are standing desks better than regular desks? What are the benefits of standing desks? Read to know more
Ergonomic Benefits of Standing Desk
Productivity Improves by Notches
Using an ergonomic standing desk is a game-changer for boosting workplace productivity. Striking a correct balance between standing and sitting increases energy levels, reduces feelings of fatigue, and improves mental clarity.
Moreover, when you’re standing, you’re also more likely to interact with colleagues in your workplace, thus improving teamwork. Further, using ergonomic sit-stand desks helps reduce distractions, as you’ll be less likely to get lost in your smartphone or computer screen.
Concentrating on your task becomes considerably simpler with better posture and less physical discomfort.
Reduced Back and Neck Pain
If you have a desk-bound job, you must have endured back and neck pain. Sitting all day will be uncomfortable, which is where adjustable standing desks enter.
They enable you to make tiny yet effective tweaks to your usually repetitive daily routine. Standing up for a while now and then mitigates the strain on your lumbar region, neck, and shoulders from sitting for long durations.
Better Circulation
Human bodies are built for movement. Sitting for extended periods slows down blood flow, and blood may pool in your legs, resulting in blood clots, swollen ankles, and varicose veins. Standing at your desk lets you experience a better blood flow than when you’re sitting. Your circulation to your extremities considerably improves whenever you work in an upright posture.
Lowers the Risk of Heart Diseases
Several health magazines have coined the phrase “Sitting is the new smoking.” The more you sit, the less you move. The less you move, the more you are prone to cardiovascular (heart) diseases. Frequently sitting for long hours significantly increases the odds of heart disease. Even an hour of heavy workout might not compensate for the negative effect prolonged sitting has.
Multiple medical studies, since decades, have shown that people who work in a standing position are less susceptible to heart disease versus those who work in a seated position.
In this case, the physical health benefit of ergonomic stand-up desks is tremendous.
High Customisability
Curious about the world of ergonomic products? Ergonomic standing desks come in diverse styles and sizes; hence, you can easily pick one that fits your needs and preferences. Additionally, they are adjustable, letting you set the desk to your height. With an adjustable standing desk, you can effortlessly switch between standing and sitting, finding the ideal balance for your needs. This at-scale personalisation reduces strain on your back and neck and helps you maintain proper ergonomics.
Read More: Advantages Of Incorporating Standing Desks Into Your Workspace
How to Choose The Right Standing Desk
The correct standing desk should primarily offer you comfort and convenience. But what other factors should you consider when choosing an adjustable standing desk? Read on.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Standing Desk
● Adjustability – Adjustability plays a significant role when choosing an ergonomic adjustable desk since it determines the required work posture best suited for your profession.
● Automation – A fully automated and adjustable desk benefits you as a daily user by offering various automatic height settings, optimum for your choice of working, sitting, or standing.
● Minimal Footprint – An aesthetic design that takes up minimal space in your room will be convenient and reduce your effort behind maintaining it. It will ensure that you remain productive throughout.
● Functionality – The ergonomic benefits of standing desks are that they make you more efficient and effective in your daily work. They allow you to seamlessly transition between your seating positions, ensuring your well-being as well as maintaining your focus.
Read More: Standing Desk vs Ergonomic Chair Dilemma! Let’s Find Your Ideal Setup
Optimising Standing Desk Health Benefits – Tips for Setting Up Your Station
We have already established the essential factors to look for while selecting a standing desk. Let’s discuss how you can actually set up your unit for better health and witness the advantages of a standing desk firsthand:
Adjust your Desk and Monitor Height for Optimal Ergonomics
Sitting for long hours leads to several health problems. Research has shown that a majority of people suffer chronic back pain due to prolonged sitting or lack of movement during their working hours. You can prevent this by installing an ergonomic standing desk that allows you to adjust your height easily. A reclined back leads to spine deformity as well as increased pain in the neck.
Place the Keyboard and Mouse Accordingly
The placement of your keyboard and mouse may look insignificant, but it is essential to ensure that you can move your hand and arm properly. Your arms should be at a 90 or 100-degree angle, and your wrists should rest comfortably along the table to prevent health issues like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The best way to achieve this is to install an ergonomic sit-stand desk that allows you to have a proper upper body posture.
Maintain a Proper Posture When You Stand
Health-conscious people constantly discuss the benefits of standing and working and how it improves cardiovascular health. It also improves your posture substantially and reduces the pressure on your spine and lower discs. So, be aware of your posture every time you stand and work.
Use Anti-fatigue Mats and Wear Supportive Footwear
The main benefit of standing at work is that it keeps you agile and helps maintain your posture. But to achieve its full benefit, you also need to install anti-fatigue mats that help you stand comfortably for long hours. These mats are designed to offer your feet relaxation and help with blood circulation. You also need to wear footwear that does not hurt your feet and reduces pressure on your ankles and toes.
Frequently Transition Between Sitting and Standing
Standing or sitting for continuous, long hours can be detrimental to your health. Medical professionals recommend that you constantly change both postures for effective health management. The benefits of standing and working are many, but that does not mean you continue to do so for the entire workday. Make a routine of sitting for half an hour and then taking a five-minute break to stand or stretch your limbs. This will relax your muscles and ensure that your blood circulates properly.
You can switch to an ergonomic chair to be highly effective in this approach. It automatically adjusts to your position and aligns with your body’s natural curvature. It also allows you to adjust your height to be at eye level with the screen, reducing strain on your neck.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Setting Up Your Ergonomic Stand-Up Desk
The advantages of a standing desk can only be achieved if used properly. To ensure this, you need to avoid a few common mistakes that might hinder your productivity and lead to complications in your health:
Incorrect Desk and Monitor Height Settings
One of the gravest mistakes you can make is needing an optimum height setting for your screen and chair. This results in neck and eye pain, excess pressure on your spine and discs, and ruining your posture. You can easily avoid this by choosing an adjustable standing desk.
Overuse of Standing Without Proper Breaks
Although modern working models stress having standing solutions for enhanced agility and focus, you must take proper breaks and rest your legs. This will help you keep your body flexible and avoid stiffness in any part. By following this practice, you can ensure that you get the maximum benefits of standing desks.
Ignoring Signs of Discomfort or Pain
If working regularly leads to pain or discomfort, you must be aware of it and get yourself checked by a licensed professional. Treating it earlier can prevent severe complications and allow you to manage it effectively through healthy practices.
Types of Standing Desk Available at S Cube Ergonomics
● eFloat Go 2.0 – The eFloat Go 2.0, an electric sit/stand desk is the latest addition to our collection. It is lightweight, self-adjustable, and equipped with all the necessary ports and attachments.
● Float Table – The Float Table is a minimalist design ergonomic stand-up desk that effortlessly adapts to all your workspaces, traditional and conventional.
● Quickstand Eco – The Quickstand Eco standing solution is a portable ergonomic sit-stand desk that you can easily use. It is sleeker and made of sustainable materials that benefit the environment in the long run.
● Quickstand – Our classic Quickstand ergonomic adjustable desk can quickly transform your existing workstation into an active workplace. Its functionality offers standing desk health benefits and keeps you agile throughout the day.
Time to Take a Stand
Most people work in front of a computer in an office or home and barely spend time on their feet. This inadequate physical exertion is triggering a rise in high blood pressure, obesity, and back issues. Adjustable standing desks are the solution to this new-found issue for those millions of people like you with a dangerously sedentary lifestyle.
From a physical perspective, multiple studies have suggested that standing desks improve vascular function, cardiovascular health, and cardiometabolic indicators. Additionally, reducing sedentary time increases physical, metabolic, and mental health.
The health benefits of standing desks are countless. So, always listen to your body and adopt ergonomic practices to stay healthy and deliver your work efficiently.
