BENEFITS OF STANDING AT WORK
To conclude whether you’re working from your home office or working from a busy shared space, a standing desk is a great option to improve your health during the workday. To sum up, here are some of the benefits of standing at work.
1. Burns Calories and gives You an Energy Burst
Firstly, standing burns more calories than sitting, even if you simply stand still. So, the calorie difference between standing versus sitting
isn’t huge. However, standing burns about 100-200 calories per hour, while sitting burns 60-130 calories. But over time, it can add
up. Also, the other calorie-burning benefit of standing at work is the shift in your mindset. In short, when you’re standing up, you’re more likely to keep your mind in “wellness mode” and you’ll walk around a bit more often throughout the day.
2. Improves Posture
Secondly, using a standing desk with proper ergonomics can help you have good posture at the computer. So, your monitor should be at eye level, about 20 inches from your face at a 20-degree tilt, while you should bend your arms at 100-degree angles at your sides. Wrists should hover comfortably above the keyboard, with weight shifting between legs.
3. Reduces Back Pain
Thirdly, like poor posture, you may think back pain is caused by sitting, but it’s not something that you have to live with or accept as
part of work. But, if you have a comfortable chair designed with back and lumbar support and alternate with periods of standing. Similarly, you will likely remedy your minor back pain.
4. Helps with Wrist Position
Fourthly, you’re sitting with a laptop on your lap while typing, you’ve probably noticed your wrists start to fall and “rest” on your keyboard. However, this can lead to wrist strain and pain. In addition, sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome, a pinched nerve in the wrist may notice more discomfort when wrists are held in the wrong position
5. Keeps Circulation Going
For instance, if we look back at human evolution, our bodies were made to move. So, when we stand, we improve our leg muscles, our balance, and our core strength. In addition, we also prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. Likewise, when people sit for a long time (such as on a plane), blood may slow and pool in their legs. Certainly, this can lead to a blood clot.
6. Boosts Your Mood and Focus
Finally, if your workday seems long and you find yourself distracted, standing up can give you a focus and mood boost to increase your
productivity. In addition, a study at Texas A&M University found people who stood up at work in a call center were 50% more productive. Similarly, standing helps us feel healthier, and when we feel well, we’re often in a better mood. However, participants in standing studies at work have reported improved mood as a peripheral benefit of standing at work. So, if you’re having a slow workday (or feeling down), get on your feet!