We’ve all been sitting in front of a computer working, backache with shoulders slumped, as the hours pass by. If you’ve experienced this (poor) situation and wondered about the advantages working standing up.
The treadmill desk and standing desks have seen a rise in popularity over the last few years. An HR professional survey conducted recently found that standing desks has grown by 7 percent in the past year as a perk offered by employers to employees. A standing desk is just one of the wellness options that employers are able to promote and actually improves the mood of office workers.
Help prevent back pain and the harm caused by too much computer use by studying ergonomics for standing desks. Here are some benefits of standing up at work.
Standing Desk Ergonomics: Find the Correct Position
It is common to hear the term ergonomics in relation to computers and office furniture. Ergonomics refers to the method by which the designers design equipment that fits perfectly with the form of human bodies. By utilizing the latest technology in design and biotechnology Office furniture manufacturers offer several innovative solutions that will assist you in maintaining a better posture while working.
In the beginning standing desks were usually simply a couple of boxes or books propped up on top of your laptop. Today, a standing desk could be adjustable using various levers to raise and lower your keyboard, while keeping your monitor at eye level (to help prevent “hunching” as well as neck tension) as well as an ergonomic wrist pad to use your mouse.
It’s not always practical to stand for every job. For instance, making video conferencing, a phone call or sending quick emails could be simple standing tasks. However design, writing or intense research could be simpler to complete in a sitting position. Take your time to ease into an established habit of sitting and standing. Try to squeeze in 15-30 minute standing periods throughout the day until you achieve an equilibrium that feels natural to you.
Another aspect of ergonomics for standing desks to take into consideration are ways to reduce leg and knee strain. Being in a position for a long period with your knees locked wearing heels could cause stress on your legs, and possibly the lower part of your back. Keep your knees free with a slight bend. Choose a comfy standing mat that is designed to go with your desk. Also, wear comfortable, supportive footwear when you sit.
Choose an adjustable standing desk. A variety of options are placed on top of your regular desk, and utilize hydraulics to lift or lower the desk that supports your computer effortlessly. The ergonomic desks made for standing allow you to enjoy the advantages of standing while working.
Seven Benefits to Standing While at Work
No matter if you work from your workplace at home or from an office space that is crowded A standing desk can be a good alternative to boost your overall health throughout the day. Here are seven benefits of standing while working.
1. Burns Calories
Sitting burns up more energy than standing even if you sit still. The difference in calories between sitting and standing isn’t too significant. Standing burns around 100-200 calories in an hour, while sitting burns 60 to 130 calories. Over time, this could increase.
The other benefit of burning calories standing while working is the change in your mental state. If you’re standing you’re more likely to be at “wellness state.” You’ll move around a little more often all day. You could perform some leg lifts or break by doing squats or jumping at jacks. These small shifts in your activity can help you burn calories throughout your day.
2. It gives you an energy boost.
In a review of 53 studies that were published by the Applied Ergonomics journal, having standing desks encouraged employees to be more active sitting up. Researchers from the UK discovered the following: 66% people were more productive, as well as 87% of them felt motivated when they spent just one hour or so of their workday sitting. The results were so beneficial that they started with the Smart Work and Life program to motivate employees to become more active.
A few small movements and active times throughout the day can help to keep you awake and on the lookout. You’ll feel more active when you “think while you walk.” When you’re struggling to keep up with your day, adding a short amount of standing time can aid in restoring some of the motivation and excitement.
3. Improves Posture
Utilizing a standing desk with the right ergonomics can ensure you are in a good posture while working. The monitor should be placed close to your eyes, around 20 inches away from your face, at 20-degree angles, and it is recommended to bend the elbows to 100 degrees to your sides. The wrists should sit comfortably over the keyboard, and weight should shift between your legs.
If you’re standing regularly in a straight, comfortable posture, it becomes habitual and won’t create the strain on your spine like sitting causes. For longer periods of time, sitting can cause pressure on your discs and back which can cause shoulder, back, and neck pain.
4. Reduces Back Pain
As with poor posture You might think back discomfort is due to sitting down, but it’s not something you must live with or accept as a part of working. If you’re in a comfy chair that has the support for your back and lumbar region and alternate between periods of standing, then you can likely relieve small back discomfort.
According to NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases about 8 in 10 people suffer from back pain throughout their lives. If the pain you’re experiencing doesn’t get better by making a few minor adjustments to your posture then it could be an appropriate time to speak for one of our ortho specialists to determine if you require an additional treatment.
5. Aids in the Wrist Position
If you’ve had laptops on your lap while you type and you’ve noticed that your wrists start to dip into “rest” on the keyboard. This can cause discomfort and strain in the wrists. Carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers with a pinched nerve on the wrist could cause more discomfort when their wrists are in an incorrect position (although contrary to popular opinion there’s no link between using a keyboard with CTS).
It is important to be aware of the position of your wrist and the strain your body puts on it when working. If you use a standing desk, you can keep your arms comfortably bent at a 90-100-degree angle. This is usually an ideal ergonomic position, and can even increase the speed of your typing!
6. Keeps the Circulation Running
When we think back to the evolution of our species, our bodies were built to move. When you stand, you strengthen the leg muscles as well as our balance and the strength of our muscles in general. Also, we prevent blood clots from developing within the leg muscles. If individuals sit for a prolonged duration (such as when on the plane) the blood flow may slow down and build up within their legs. In extreme cases it can cause blood clots.
When we sit up, we lift our legs and get blood flowing through our bodies. In some studies, individuals who sat for prolonged periods also had shorter life durations because of bad cardiovascular health. Being active is a an essential part of living a healthier life.
7. Enhances Your Mood and Improves Focus
If your day is long and you are being distracted, standing can provide you with a boost of concentration boost and mood boost, which can boost your efficiency. A study by Texas A&M University found people who stood up when working in call centers were 50 percent more productive.
Standing can make us feel more healthy and, when we’re feeling good, we tend to be happier. The participants in studies that involve standing in the workplace have noted better mood as a side effect of standing while working. If you’re experiencing an unproductive day at work (or being down) Get up and moving!
