Discover the benefits of a standing desk.
The human body was not designed to stay seated all day, but that is exactly what many of us do. We remain perched in front of our computers for hours at a time with few if any changes in position. Standard office furniture is not always the best choice, but there are other options. Some office workers have switched to using flexible standing desks because of the benefits they offer.
Burn Calories
Standing at a desk burns 50 more calories per hour than sitting. All you have to do is stand up! And while you are standing, you might be inspired to move – bend your knees, do some neck circles or stretch your arms. Every little bit counts toward keeping you flexible and burning calories.
Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Doctors tell us that colon cancer and breast cancer appear to be related to reduced physical activity and can be caused by sitting for extended periods. Ovarian, prostate, lung, and endometrial cancer may also be related to prolonged sitting. Standing up at your desk for a while every day is a start to getting healthier.
Live Longer
Because being sedentary is linked to cancer and obesity, it makes sense that if you stand for a portion of your workday, the chances of living longer go up. Heart disease and diabetes are also associated with lifestyles where people sit too much. Stand up for your health!
Stand Taller
Using a standing desk can improve your posture because you won’t be hunched over your desk with your shoulders curved forward. With a standing desk, you can position the computer screen just above eye level which requires you to look up slightly and stand tall. This alleviates slouching and the problems and pain that can accompany it. Plus, standing up straight engages your core, and we all know how important it is to strengthen our core muscles.
Ease into it
When you get a flexible standing desk, use it periodically during the day. That’s the beauty of it: you can use it sitting or standing. Don’t try to stand for 8 hours all at once. That isn’t necessary and being on your feet all day is not optimal either. You should alternate between sitting and standing for best results. Once you have used a standing desk for a few weeks, you can determine which tasks you can perform best when standing. You might feel that you should sit for work that requires intense concentration, but that standing up is great for reading emails or conducting conference calls. And during those periods of low energy that can occur in mid-afternoon, standing up and taking a few deep breaths will help increase your oxygen flow. This may help energize you to make it through to the end of the day, especially if it also inspires you to get moving by taking a brief walk.
Office Furniture from Edwards and Hill
Need help finding the best office furniture for your company? Edwards & Hill can help you plan and install the perfect furniture for your space. Edwards & Hill is a leading office, education, medical, and hospitality furniture provider with quality design and installation services for any style or scale. When you are ready to get started, call us at 301-317-4250 to talk with a professional.