The Standing Desk and Ergonomics: How Do They Relate?
Picture this: muscle atrophy that puts your glutes and leg muscles at higher risk of injury, contracted hip flexors, compressed discs in your back, and an increased risk for cancer and heart disease.
Can you guess what condition could cause all these negative and debilitating effects on your body?
The answer: sitting at your desk in dallas. Yes, that’s it. Sitting at your desk all day, every day wreaks havoc on your muscles, circulation, and even your mental wellbeing.
Standing desk ergonomics can help improve your overall wellbeing, as well as reverse the previously mentioned negative consequences of habitual sitting.
Read on to learn how.
Dedicate a Space for Learning
What is Ergonomics
You’ve heard about the effects of sitting all day, but did you know it also affects how productive you are at work?
Ergonomics is a science created with the intention of increasing comfort and productivity for people who spend the majority of their days in offices or at desks.
Through alternative body positioning, ergonomics can prevent workplace pain and injuries. That means no more leaving work with a sore back, neck, wrists, or tight hips and shoulders.
While ergonomics doesn’t completely negate the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, it is a step in the right direction. Leaving work with less pain means the potential for more energy and desire to exercise your body before and after work, keeping you strong and flexible.
Standing Desk Ergonomics
Standing desks have received a lot of attention for being innovative workplace setups. You can use them at the office, in the classroom, and even in your work- from-home setup.
If your desk is assembled and used correctly, your adjusted posture and positioning will align with all the concepts workplace ergonomics is trying to instate.
By adjusting the angle of your joints and limbs, you can reduce pressure on overused tendons and muscles.
Some important angles to consider for your desk setup are the distance of your eyes from the screen, the reach of your arms to your keyboard, and the strain of your neck to look at your computer.
Even a slight change in your posture can help your hip and shoulder discomfort.
While these details might seem minor, when your body is sitting at these positions for many hours every day, the gradual strain can cause major discomfort.
By incorporating ergonomics into your desk setup and transitioning to a
standing desk, your body is less likely to feel the same strains and soreness that it does while sitting.
For one, you will have the freedom to move around more instead of fidgeting in your chair.
Further, while sitting at a desk restricts blood flow and increases your risk for blood clots, being on your feet helps maintain proper circulation throughout your body.
How to Find the Standing Desk for You
Finding a standing desk that best fits your needs is just like any other desk or furniture purchase. You have to consider what factors are necessities, what would be nice to have, and what you definitely don’t want.
Here are a few factors you might want to take into account when planning your standing desk setup.
Height
You’ll want to consider the height desk, if the height is adjustable, and if so, by how much.
Do you want to be able to alternate between sitting and standing, especially as you adjust to standing while working?
Keyboard
If your keyboard is separate from your computer monitor, you have to option of getting a multi-tiered desk where your keyboard can sit lower than your
monitor. This option will reduce strain on your arms, wrists, and shoulders.
Desk Add-On
For those who aren’t quite ready to completely transition their desk setup, you might consider a platform that can sit on your existing desk and elevate your laptop or computer.
Especially if you already have a designated desk at your office, it will be easier to bring a smaller prop to set up your standing desk rather than trying to replace the existing desk.
Multifunctionality
Your standing desk can function as more than just a tall table to put your computer.
There are some unique options for standing desks depending on where and for what purpose you’ll be using them.
If you’re a teacher, you might want a standing desk with an accompanying stool so you can easily take breaks to sit while you’re teaching.
Those who practice environmental consciousness may want to take into account the impact, durability, and simplicity of their desk. There are quality standing desks manufactured with the environment in mind, while still being functional and adjustable.
For avid notetakers, you might consider a standing desk with an antimicrobial, dry-erase surface. You’ll have plenty of space and easy access to your notes whenever you need them.
Adjusting to Your Standing Desk
While you might be excited about moving to a standing desk setup, don’t jump up just yet.
Since your body is so accustomed to sitting all day, it will take time to adjust to a standing desk.
Start by testing out how your standing desk feels for short time intervals. Then, you can alternate between standing and sitting.
Perhaps you transition to standing for most of the day. If not, you will likely still find some relief and freedom in standing for part of your workday.
The ultimate goal is not to stand for as many hours as possible, but rather to move your body just enough to loosen your muscles, get your blood flowing, and increase your productivity.
Sitting to Standing
Standing desk ergonomics isn’t a be-all-end-all for work productivity and health, but it is a good place to start.
Let’s be honest, sitting all day isn’t that much fun, either. You understand the need to move your body, but you don’t have that much space to do so with your knees tucked under your desk.
Move from sitting to standing with a standing desk for your workplace, home office, or classroom, and explore all the possible benefits. Check out more options and get a free quote to begin your search.
