The majority of us already spend more than 8 hours a day in a sitting position, and the number of hours is only set to rise as we get older. This comes naturally if we have in mind the working hours, the time spent sitting at home and the time spent stuck in a car. The main problem is that our body is not programmed to be in a static position for the majority of the day and this can cause neck strains, herniated discs, muscle degeneration, and weakened bones. These are just some of the problems that can be caused by sitting for too long, so we should all think carefully about what we can do to avoid them. A good place to start is the workplace, since, as mentioned above we spend at least 8 hours there. If your work position requires sitting behind a desk, then one possible solution is a stand up desk. And here are some reasons why.
Switching between sitting, walking, and standing at your desk is vital to your health. That is why an adjustable stand up desk can do wonders for you in your workspace. Moderation is key – sitting and standing for too long can be damaging, and that is why having the adjustability option is of utmost importance. Furthermore, it is scientifically proven that the use of sit-stand desks improves productivity, concentration and increases creativity. The reason for this is that while people are standing some of the body’s largest muscles are working, and this increases blood flow to the brain – to put it simply, it improves the way people feel and, with that, the way they work.
Besides the creativity and productivity boost, the sit-stand desk can also improve the user’s overall health. By spending a portion of the day standing, people can feel reduced back and neck pain. Also, this feature lowers the risk of heart disease and obesity. By standing instead of sitting you can reduce the risk of weight gain by burning about 50 extra calories an hour. So, if you were to stand up for 3 hours each workday, it would equal to 750 calories a week. Additionally, the increased sedentary time has been linked to an increased risk of both depression and anxiety. This furthermore makes it clear that alternating between sitting and standing can improve the mood and increase the level of happiness.
Finally, it is important to know how much standing is good in order for it to be beneficial for your health. The recommended time you should spend standing while at work is at least two hours. For best results, seated work should be regularly broken up with standing sessions and you should frequently adjust the posture of your body throughout the day.
