Using a Standing Desk? Here’s How to Do It Right

The latest studies on standing desks continue to push more people to adopt the culture of standing while at work. After all, people who use standing desks attest to the psychological and physical benefits of taking up this position when working. They feel less tired, pay more attention to their tasks, and are generally more productive. And physically, they don’t slouch over their work all day, and their backs and necks thank them. But even with these benefits, there is such a thing as overdoing something or doing it wrong. So, how do you balance sitting all day and tiring yourself by standing too long? We have tips for you.

Tips on Using a Standing Desk at Work

Improved well-being, better productivity, and enhanced cognitive function are some benefits awaiting people who use a standing desk. But how can you harness these without risking your work or health?

Get the Positioning Right

How you use the standing desk impacts your comfort and overall productivity. Your elbows should meet the desk surface at a 90-degree angle such that your forearms remain parallel to the floor. That allows you to work without putting your arms in an unnatural angle that can cause strain. But it’s not just your arms you need to consider. Your computer screen should be slightly below eye level so that you can see what you are doing without slouching or straining your neck. Ideally, the screen should be 30 inches away from your face.

Watch Your Posture

Your standing posture should be such that your back is straight and your neck and head are neutral. While you may be tempted to slouch out of the habit of working in a sitting position, it is best to avoid this, as it can cause muscle strain. Stand with your chest up and out, avoiding leaning forward. Then, as time passes, shift your weight from one leg to the other to ensure good circulation and avoid straining your feet too much. You’ll need to be conscious of your posture to achieve this balance – over time, it will be a more natural stance.

Take Frequent Breaks

Standing, while beneficial, can take a toll on your body, resulting in muscle aches and fatigue. You can avoid this by taking breaks. These can be sitting down, stretching your arms and legs, or walking around. It’s often best to mix these motions so that your body is getting enough recovery. For example, you can stand for half an hour and stretch your arms and legs for five minutes. Then, stand for another half hour and walk around for five minutes. Then do another half hour before sitting for half an hour. Not only do these breaks relieve muscle tension, but they also help you boost your flexibility, allowing you to stand for longer periods at a time.

Choose Comfortable Footwear

Prolonged standing can strain your calves and even cause joint aches in your knees and other parts of your lower body. The easiest way to avoid this is to start with the right shoes. Say, for example, that you often wear heels or flat shoes – these are not ideal for long hours of standing as they do not offer much arch support. You can switch these out for shoes with better cushioning and support when you are working, e.g., sneakers. Then, once you are done working or taking a sitting break, you can return to your ordinary shoes.

You can also consider getting an anti-fatigue mat. Like comfortable shoes, it alleviates the strain of standing. It enables you to go for hours without suffering discomfort or fatigue.
While the concept of a standing desk can be exciting, it’s important to take care of yourself by taking it slow. Start by standing for a few minutes at a time to see how well you do, then build on this over time, ensuring you remain comfortable and are not straining your body.