Can a standing desk help you work better
Can a standing desk help you work better?
A few years ago, I made a huge decision to get rid of the sofa. I replaced it with a set of chairs and soft cushions, which were comfortable but not enticing, and I would lie and sit there all day.
However, It's different from jumping to a standing desk, but I know that extra comfort means less productivity. I'm right. I work more often now and spend most of my working time in the office, not in front of the TV.
Sitting...sitting...sitting problems
Sitting is not inherently bad. The problem is how long you sit for a day. You shouldn't sit in a chair for the entire 8-hour shift. Even four hours before and after lunch break may be too long.
This 2018 study found that sitting for a few hours a day increased the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.
Although it's good to run in the morning and stay active in the evening, this doesn't counteract the effect of sitting for long periods of time. It's a bit like having a healthy meal for breakfast and dinner and then a whole pizza for lunch. Yes, you are making some right decisions, but there is no denying that the wrong ones are still harmful to your health.
Six benefits of standing desks
- Posture will naturally improve as you become more aware of listlessness. You may notice that your core feels tighter and healthier.
- You will participate in more sports. For example, you may end up walking more because you are already standing.
- Your energy will increase. Standing helps blood flow and keeps you more alert. You may be drowsy or drowsy while sitting, but you are less likely to be happy when standing. The terrible 3 p.m. plunge may disappear entirely.
- The study I mentioned above measures not only the health impact of sitting, but also the performance of people who use "desk-sitting". They found that people who were able to stand for part of the time had better job performance and engagement than those who were sitting alone. Sitting people also reduce work fatigue and anxiety.
- Keeping your eyes level with pedestrians means it's easier to chat or notice what's happening.
- Multitask processing is easier. I tried this at my counter and was able to handle multiple tasks at once without getting too distracted. I'm already standing up, so making a cup of coffee while browsing my e-mail doesn't really interfere.
Problems with standing desk
Standing is not everything. Ergonomic expert Alan Hedge told Times that standing at work can be tiring and put a lot of pressure on the circulatory system. It can also cause problems with your posture, especially if you tilt a lot. Here are some shortcomings of stand up desk:
Your legs and back may be numb or painful, especially when you are used to using a standing desk. This may last for the first few weeks.
If you don't position yourself correctly, you may experience soreness elsewhere. For example, when I stand in front of a kitchen counter, I must wedge myself into the right angle formed by the counter and turn a little to see the computer. My lower back hurts in 45 deskminutes.
The fact that multitasking is easy also means that distraction is easy. Consider saving standing time for simple, automated tasks, and then sitting down when you need to focus without interruption.
You're too exposed. Everyone in your office can see you (assuming you work with others using standing desk with drawers).
Standing while working is not for everyone, especially when you already have problems with your knees, legs, or back or carpal canal. This does not mean there is absolutely no standing desk, but you should chat with your doctor first. For me, although I can see standing desk with keyboard tray that help me with posture and stretching back problems, I can also spend an hour working from here or there on my laptop while leaning on a heating pad.
How to work on a standing desk
If you use a l shaped standing desk in the right way, you can reduce the risk of using a standing desk by maintaining the correct position, limiting body pressure, and adjusting the keyboard, mouse, and monitor to the optimal height.
Your monitor should be at line-of-sight level (even if you are sitting). When typing, your arms should be parallel to the floor. You should be far enough away so that if you put your arm in front of you, you won't have full contact with the monitor. If you have a laptop, you need a separate monitor, then use the laptop as a keyboard or use an external keyboard.
Put a support cushion on the floor, just like a cook does - the filling reduces leg pain.
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
If your legs start to ache, make a one-legged yoga pose for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can place a raised object on the ground with your feet on it if it's comfortable.
Position is important even when you are sitting. According to Fast Company and Mladen Golubs, the medical director of the Cleveland Clinic Health Institute, droop makes deep breathing difficult. Instead, don't sit up nervously; You must balance a straight spine with a strong core by relaxing rather than stretching. Basically: sit up straight, not in the way that a teacher would call you names.
You can also get the benefit of standing, as you know, without a corner standing desk. Start by taking five minutes off for every hour of work. Set a reminder if you want to walk every hour. Working at home is easy because you can jump off your desk as needed without annoying your colleagues.
