Standing Desks: Are They Worth The Investment?

One of the main advantages of using a standing desk is better posture . Sitting for long periods can make you slump over, which can cause musculoskeletal problems, including back pain.

Energy & Productivity Boost

When you're using a standing desk along with taking regular breaks, you're far more likely to keep your spine straight. It reduces tension and strain around your neck, shoulders and back.

Standing desks can help increase your energy levels and productivity . When you're sitting, it's easy to become lethargic and feel sluggish. Standing, on the other hand, promotes blood circulation and keeps you more alert, which can enhance your focus, letting you get more work done.

More Calories Burned & Lower Weight Gain Risk

Standing while working can also help burn more calories compared to time spent sitting.

Although it's not a substitute for cardiovascular exercise, every bit of extra movement counts towards maintaining a healthy weight.

Using a standing desk can have positive effects on your overall health beyond just physical benefits. Studies suggest that standing desks can help reduce the risk of weight gain and obesity . By standing and engaging your muscles throughout the day, you're actively working to combat a sedentary lifestyle associated with various health issues.

Better Mood, Lower Stress

Among the other benefits of standing desks is their potential to boost mood and reduce stress . Standing throughout the day can lead to increased levels of endorphins, which are the body's natural mood elevators. This can result in a more positive outlook and improved mental wellbeing.

Long periods of sitting have been linked to various health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes . Too much sitting at one time can also contribute to muscle imbalances and weakened bones . These potential health problems highlight the importance of finding ways to reduce the time spent in the sitting position.

A lesser-known consequence of prolonged sitting is the negative impact it can have on mental health . Studies show that excessive sitting can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. It's believed this is due to a lack of physical activity and reduced blood flow to the brain, which can affect mood-regulating neurotransmitters.

While sit-stand desks offer several advantages, they may not be suitable for everyone or every task. It's essential to consider your specific needs and work requirements. Standing for long stretches can cause discomfort and fatigue, so finding the right balance between sitting and standing is important.

Traditional desks provide a familiar and comfortable workspace for tasks that don't require much movement. They're often adjustable, allowing you to find the most suitable height and maintain good ergonomics.

But standing desks have gained popularity in recent years due to their potential health benefits. They give you plenty of room in your work environment, even when fully loaded. Standing while working can help improve posture, reduce the risk of weight gain and decrease the likelihood of developing musculoskeletal issues associated with prolonged sitting. Some studies suggest that standing desks may even boost productivity and focus by increasing blood flow and energy levels.

On the other hand, traditional desks offer a sense of stability and routine that can be comforting for those who prefer a consistent work environment. The ability to customise a traditional desk with accessories like monitor stands, keyboard trays and cable management solutions can enhance the organisation and efficiency of a workspace. Additionally, traditional desks come in a variety of styles and materials, and this lets you personalise your working area to match your decor.

If you decide to invest in a proper standing desk, it's important to ease into using it. Start with short periods of standing and gradually increase the duration over time. Wearing comfortable shoes, using an anti-fatigue mat and adjusting the desk height to your body size can also help make the transition smoother.

It's important to listen to your body and take breaks . Incorporating regular movements, such as stretching or short walks, can further enhance the benefits of using a standing desk.

Consider incorporating ergonomic accessories into your standing desk setup. Items such as a monitor stand to adjust screen height, a keyboard tray to maintain proper typing posture and a footrest to alleviate pressure on your lower back can significantly improve your overall comfort and productivity while standing.

Remember to maintain good posture while using a standing desk. Keep your shoulders relaxed, your back straight and your wrists in a neutral position to prevent strain and discomfort. Set reminders, either written on notepaper or using your phone, to check your posture throughout the day until it becomes a habit.

The use of standing desks in the workplace has been rising in recent years, and for good reason. Many companies, for example, are investing in ergonomic office furniture to promote employee wellbeing and productivity. If they wish, staff can alternate between sitting and standing while on the job.

Research suggests that using standing desks can have a positive impact on employee engagement . Standing can help boost energy levels and reduce the likelihood of feeling sluggish during the workday. And giving employees the option to stand or sit can increase their work satisfaction.

Standing desks can also create a more dynamic and collaborative work environment . When staff have the flexibility to change their working position throughout the day - possibly including ergonomic office chairs along with their new desk - it can lead to increased interaction and communication with colleagues. This can result in better creativity, more problem-solving and overall team cohesion.

When using a standing desk, it's important to maintain good ergonomics to minimise the risk of discomfort or injuries that could result in back pain or something else. Adjust the height range to suit you and ensure that your desk or table height allows your elbows to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle. Keep your wrists and forearms parallel to the floor.

Using an adjustable monitor stand or changing the screen height can help maintain proper eye level, so you're not looking up or down and straining your neck - that can happen with just an hour standing. Additionally, organising your workstation so the things you need are within easy reach can reduce the strain on your neck and shoulders.

It's also recommended that you periodically shift your weight from one leg to the other to avoid placing excessive strain on a single side of your body. Then, at the end of the working day, you shouldn't have any issues.

Remember to take short breaks and sit or walk around to prevent muscle fatigue and improve circulation throughout your body.

Several misconceptions surround standing desks. These are the most common:

Myth #1 - standing all day is better than sitting

One myth is that standing is more beneficial than all day sitting, but both can have their drawbacks. It's important to find a balance. Perhaps you might, for instance, alternate between standing and sitting, and take regular breaks.

Myth #2 - standing solves health issues

Another myth is that standing desks may help you deal with or even get rid of any health issues you're suffering from. Standing desks do have benefits in terms of promoting more movement and helping to alleviate or relieve back pain, but they're not a substitute for healthy habits like exercise.

Myth #2 - standing causes weight loss

You shouldn't assume that the benefits of standing extend to weight loss, because it's not likely to happen. You may be burning more calories when standing, but not enough to shed pounds you may be hoping to lose. Diet and exercise are the way to go if you're aiming to slim down.

Bear in mind that if you're planning to buy a standing desk, which will give you the ability to move around more, you should consider proper footwear. That means comfortable shoes that will support extended periods standing and easily take the strain. And you're going to need an anti-fatigue mat, which will give you cushioned support. Remember to take regular breaks too.