Standing desks have been known for ages. However, now, they get a new life thanks to technology development and new trends. The main reason for their increasing popularity in modern society is in the benefits they bring for our health.
Office workers frequently complain about such health problems like obesity, hypertension, pain in the back and the neck, the development of diabetes, and many others. All of these health issues are directly or indirectly connected with a sedentary lifestyle.
While there is still no proof that standing desks help to reduce the weight or avoid the risks of getting diabetes, one thing is not doubted: standing desks help to improve your posture. Here, the main thing is to choose a proper standing desk. There are many types of standing desks, thus, the choice might be not easy. Many manufacturers offer customizable options. Some companies even incorporate a special tool, a desk builder, to help you decide.
Adjust Your Standing Desk Correctly
Buying a standing desk is still not a solution. Adjust it properly. When you are using it, your head shall be inclined slightly backward. Your spine shall take a natural “S”-shape curve. Your wrists shall rest freely on the desk, and elbows shall be bent at 90-degrees. The monitor shall be located at the level of your eyes or below it.
Don’t Hurry to Switch to a Standing Position
The biggest mistake you can make with a standing desk is to try to switch to a standing position immediately. This will make you tired and the disappointment in your standing desk will follow.
Start with a short standing period every day. Then, switch to a sitting position. Increase the standing time slowly until you are able to stand as long as needed.
Interchange standing with walking, stretching, making some exercises. There are special ones for office workers.
Standing Desks Are Not for Everybody
Even though it is proven that a standing desk helps to improve the posture and avoid some health issues, standing desks are not for everybody. Thus, before deciding for such a desk, make sure you don’t suffer from:
- Vascular diseases: if yes, using a standing desk might lead to the development or aggravation of varicose veins or thrombosis;
- Scoliosis: a standing desk doesn’t help in such a case. Using it also can cause pains in the back;
- A bulging disc: the effects of using a standing desk might be similar to those by scoliosis.
Some people start working more productively while using a standing desk. Others though cannot concentrate on their tasks properly, especially if those tasks are creative ones and require some calm environment.
Thus, before opting for a standing desk, consider all the pros and cons. These desks bring a lot of benefits but they are not a panacea from all the issues.