Think about it; you're sitting at a desk for eight hours each day. That can't be healthy for your body, right? This view is shared by medical professionals and those who have already made the switch from sitting at a desk to standing at one — some even take it to extreme levels by using a treadmill while working. If you feel as though you're slipping into bad habits with negative health effects, you may wish to consider a standing desk.
We rounded up some benefits to help sway your decision.
Standing is considered healthier
While standing, it's easier to take a few steps here and there and breaks for 15 minutes every hour or so. You burn slightly more calories and while it may not seem like much on a daily basis, it all adds up. Buying a standing desk will not automatically lead to weight loss, but by standing you are already in that frame of mind without the requirement to move back from the desk while in a chair to get up.
You can simply turn around and walk away from the screen for a bit, though it is also recommended by those who use standing desks to alternate between sitting and standing.
Protect your body
You'll also build better posture, building core strength while also being able to take advantage of monitor stands and adjustable desks to have said displays rest just above your eye level. Not only that, but you'll be doing your back a favor by not slouching or sitting in awkward positions to get comfortable. Advocates for standup desks also claim they can potentially help protect against:
- Cancer.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Premature death.
Some studies and researchers have found that standing alone doesn't solve issues with physical inactivity in the workplace, but it's a foundation that could have a positive impact by resulting in more breaks from the screen.
Sociable office
Should you happen to work alongside colleagues in an office, you may be hard to spot in a cubicle or behind a desk with a separator. By opting to stand up for some of the day, you can have the opportunity to communicate with colleagues without forcing your body into awkward positions or eye contact. You might catch your coworker passing by instead of sending them a message on Telegram.
More space
By not relying on an office chair all day and moving it aside, you may have increased available floor space considerably. This not only creates a more open room that helps make you feel a little less cramped inside a box but also allows for easy movement at breaks.
Some related tips
Here are some handy tips to bear in mind when considering (or making) the move to a standing desk:
- Don't go from sitting to standing overnight. Break your sitting habit gradually by introducing your body to the notion of having to rest on your legs. Take it slow.
- A gel mat (and comfy footwear) can help reduce stress on your lower body parts.
- Standing won't make you healthier alone. You still need to move around.
- Invest in adjustable display mounting bracket arms for easier adjustment of displays.
