One of the many reasons the standing desk has become a leading ergonomic solution is the fact that it offers long term benefits in terms of health and productivity. When you invest in a sit-stand desk and build a more active lifestyle, consistently using the desk to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, you are doing two important things.
- You are keeping your muscles active and engaged
The end result of active muscles is less strain and pressure, conditions that can ultimately lead to not only muscle but spinal problems. By moving constantly, you are protecting your spine from long-term damage.
- You are maintaining a healthy circulation in your body
Proper blood and oxygen flow is crucial to the optimal functioning of various parts and organs in your body. They affect the heart, the brain, and crucial organs. When you start alternating between sitting and standing, you lower the risks from certain health conditions such as coronary problems, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and even some types of cancer.
The benefits mentioned above are long-term benefits, and you may not readily notice them when you use a standing desk. After all, these risks often appear only after years of living a sedentary life.
You might be wondering—what are the immediate noticeable benefits when you use a standing desk? Well, there are a few. Let’s take a look at the three most common below:
Standing More Eliminates Back Pain
Back pain is a result of being seated in one position for hours. This usually happens among individuals whose job is largely characterized by computer work. They remain on their seat for an entire day, often locked up in one position—unmoving and their muscles unengaged—and then experience back pain at the end of the day. Some of the symptoms may include stiffness on the back muscles, shoulders, and neck; pain on the lower back; and even headache.
When you alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, the constant stimulation that your back muscles receive will eliminate any pain caused by lack of movement. When you further add stretches and simple exercises as you work, you can expect a more comfortable, more relaxed back.
The Use of a Standing Desk Improves Posture
Like back pain, poor posture is usually a result of being immobile on your workstation for long hours. Some of the most common forms of poor posture are the hunchback, flatback, and rounded shoulders, among others. These are caused by many different things, among the most common of which is prolonged sitting.
When you sit on your chair and desk all day—whether working, or watching Netflix shows, or playing games on your computer—you are increasing your chances of developing poor posture. One of the best solutions is to keep moving, and the most effective way to do that even as you go through your work for the day is with the use of a standing desk. Alternate between sitting and standing to break any possibility of developing poor posture. Couple this with extra mindfulness to make sure that you don’t slouch on your seat and you stand up straight to make sure your body is in its most natural state.
Standing More Increases Your Energy Level
You might ask—how can this be so? Won’t standing deplete energy? Well, the opposite is actually true. Because more movement increases blood and oxygen flow throughout your body, one of the immediate results you will notice is an increase in energy level, alertness, and focus. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to beat the afternoon blues.
You’ll hear people talk about feeling more energized and overall happier when they exercise or go for a run, and the reason is that the body releases healthy chemicals as you move more. Sure, alternating between sitting and standing isn’t as intense as doing your daily workout, but it helps you keep a healthy level of both physical and mental energy to help you feel good and productive throughout your workday.
Do you want to enjoy both the immediate and long-term benefits of a standing desk? Find the right sit-stand desk for you! Choose a high-quality desk that can become your partner at work to stay healthy and well.