It’s kind of pointless to buy the desk of your dreams if you’re not going to use it properly. To take full advantage of the many health benefits of a sit-stand desk, it’s essential to understand the type of setup you need to maintain the healthiest posture throughout your workday.
One of the best features of a sit-stand desk is that it allows the user to alternate between sitting and standing. To get used to standing desks, new users find it helpful to stand for two hours at a time and work their way up to eventually standing for four-hour intervals.
Here are a few tips on the best way to incorporate standing into your daily work routine:
Posture
As we know, posture is huge when it comes to office ergonomics. Stay aware of how you’re holding your body, and make it a goal to keep your neck, head, torso, and legs in line with one another and vertical. Lastly, don’t forget to wear supportive shoes when standing!
Adjust Your Position as Necessary
The benefits of standing begin to diminish if done for too long. The great part about an adjustable standing desk is that you have the ability to change positions (but don’t forget to adjust the monitor, keyboard, and mouse).
Your standing desk should be around elbow height. This means that you can comfortably rest your elbows on the desk surface and keep them in a 90-degree position with the floor. To give you an idea, the desk should be around 44” off the ground for someone who is 5’11”.
Pay attention to how you hold your wrists when standing for extended periods. The ideal position is to keep them straight or slightly tilted upward when typing or using the mouse.
Choose a Reliable Standing Surface
Remember to pay attention to the type of surface you’re standing on each day. A hard floor can be hard on your body over time. Studies have shown that people who stand for two or more hours per day report less tiredness and less discomfort when utilizing a standing desk mat.
An anti-fatigue mat is the best way to increase blood flow and reduce overall discomfort at the end of the workday. It also helps with leg problems and lower back pain too. To switch things up, try a footrest under your standing desk to rest and stretch your feet throughout the day.
Take Regular Breaks
Taking frequent breaks is a helpful way to reduce repetitive stress injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. Alternating between sitting and standing is a great start, but you also need to walk away from your workstation every so often to stretch your body, rest your eyes, and clear your mind.
Ready for some welcome news? Most people experience more creativity and better focus when they consistently take short breaks throughout the day.
If you find it challenging to remember to step away from work, set a reminder on your phone or computer and give it a try to see how you feel.