Standing desks are becoming more and more used throughout many different professions. Sitting for too long is a common problem among many adults today particularly in your 9-5 office jobs when sitting at a computer for the majority of the day. Sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time can cause back/neck problems which can reduce productivity levels. People are more likely to be too comfortable and become tired with their work. This means less work may be done or to a lower standard than their capabilities. Standing desks are built to allow you to stand comfortably at the right level to suit you. They are adjustable to adapt to your own height which is great for having your computer at eyesight level.
Productivity
As previously discussed, standing desks are highly likely to boost productivity levels. When standing at a desk, an individual is more alert and focused on the work they are delivering. One example where a standing desk would prove highly beneficial is in relation to a professor in a lecture hall. Most lecturers, to grasp their student’s attention, like to use a lot of body language and to move around the hall to address all of their students. The standing desk is perfect in this situation. The lecturer can move freely from their computer to other areas of the lecture hall without having to get up and down from a computer desk. Very helpful when doing things such as changing a slideshow presentation. It also shows that they are engaged with their class and interested in what is being taught.
Weight benefits of a standing desk
It has been proven that standing for longer rather than sitting can assist in weight loss and places individuals at a lower risk of developing obesity. There are little to no calories being burned when seated at a computer desk, whereas if in a standing position and pacing more often, calories are being burned as they are taken in through lunch/dinners/snacks etc being consumed. Many employees would agree that since starting their office jobs, being sat at a desk has them feeling less fit and active. This then has an effect not only on their physical capabilities, but their mental determination to complete their work as best they can. Obesity can also lead to further complications such as CHD of the heart as well as diabetes. A simple factor such as standing instead of sitting for the day, can contribute to the health benefits associated with preventing these diseases.
Back pain
An obvious health issue people tend to develop with sitting at a desk for the majority of the day is back pain. We often find ourselves slouched over the desk leaning into our computers without even realising. When sitting back in the office chair, we may then realise the potential damage we are doing to our backs as we feel the relief on our spine from sitting back straight in the chair. With standing desks, this does not have to be an issue. They encourage the best posture in us. Having the standing desk adjusted to our own height will prevent poor posture as the computer is right at eye level. A good habit to have whilst standing is to even out the distribution of weight equally on both legs. This will help to correct posture not only through the working day, but the standing desk will help correct posture for the future as your body will become so used to it.
Blood sugar levels
Research has shown that the use of a standing desk is also likely to lower blood sugar levels. So for anyone with diabetes, the standing desk is perfect in sugar level management. Especially after a meal, it is beneficial to stand rather than sit. When seated after a meal, a person becomes sedentary and uses none of the energy that has been provided to their body. If standing however, energy is being used up therefore the sugar levels will not be as high as they are not being stored through sitting.
So when looking at all the benefits both physically and mentally, it is definitely worth the purchase, even if the desk is only one contributor towards a healthier lifestyle in your day to day life.