Standing at the computer is one of the latest trends in IT companies, corporations and freelancers. It's supposed to be good for your back, help you concentrate and make it easier to burn calories. How is it really?
I myself became interested in working at a standing computer desk relatively recently, probably as anyone who has felt discomfort in the back at least once after sitting at a desk for too long. Currently, I am looking for a solution for myself, and at the same time I have gathered some information about why it is worth being interested in this method of work.
Sitting is the new way to smoke
We are not sitting. Our natural posture is standing, and we hurt ourselves the most when we sit instead of standing. Seated rest reduces stress on the legs, but puts stress on the spine and pelvis, not to mention blocked blood flow.
Sitting has been dubbed "the new smoking" because sitting in this position is expected to shorten your life expectancy by twice as much as smoking one cigarette per hour, not to mention an increased risk of colon cancer, say researchers at the University of Queensland, USA. . Meanwhile, according to the British Psychological Society, we spend a lot of time at our desks (5 hours and 41 minutes on average), while we sit around 9 hours during the day! Adjustable desk with drawers, however, allow you to work standing up.
Standing desk can boost your self-confidence
Enough of this fear, it's time to find a solution.
The solution to this problem is a new fad that has come to us from beyond the waters and is gaining a growing following here too. Of course, it's standing in front of a computer—or rather, part of standing.
What are the benefits of working while standing at a computer?
Our lightened back standing gaming desk helps reduce back problems;
We burn more calories - we work harder than sitting, so we burn 280 more calories in 2 hours;
We are more focused - this has to do with our reptilian brain and the "fight or flight" mechanism - standing is naturally our alert posture, so we act more efficiently and decisively;
We do things faster - for all the reasons above, but also because we just want to get things done as quickly as possible and be able to sit down
We waste less time in meetings - so-called stand-up meetings last an average of 1/3 less, are more effective, and have more engaged participants;
we have more energy;
we are more confident;
We are also more willing to cooperate.
Its effects on our health were appreciated abroad several years ago. Standing work with small standing desk (and work movement in general) is even featured in the official advice from Public Health England, the UK Department of Health. According to PHE, if you work at a sit standing desk, you should walk or stand for at least 2 hours while you work.
How long do you work with sit standing desk during the day?
When someone wrote on Instagram that I was trying to use a L-shaped standing desk for work, his aunts and uncles immediately responded with great advice, saying, "But standing for long periods of time is also harmful!".
of course. No one told you to keep working for 8 hours! 2 hours out of the 8 hours above is the smart best way to feel the benefits of standing in front of a computer. Start by working 15 minutes per hour. You can also try standing on a task that has never been completed.
How to stand correctly?
Just standing at a desk also takes some work (to yourself) so as not to hurt yourself. The most important thing is the neutral position, that is, stand up straight, neither looking up nor down. Also, try not to be lazy.
To avoid leg discomfort such as heel or calf soreness, active standing is recommended, i.e. changing body position frequently, i.e. shifting weight from one leg to the other, standing in a different position, etc., stretching your calves every 10-15 minutes.
(For example, I'm rocking to music right now. Great!)
Speaking of body posture, light legs and slightly bent legs also appear in professional literature on working while standing in front of a computer, as well as using foot pedals.
How to choose accessories for electric standing desk?
As you might guess, the essence of standing work is choosing a good standing desk or accessories that make it easier for you (more on that later). But you can also try working in cabinets, open kitchen cabinets, or anywhere else in your home/office, provided:
Elbows will be angled 90 degrees or more (they may be slightly flared);
The screen is eye-level - so we're neither looking up too much, nor slouching or leaning over (these two options together mean you should have an external keyboard even when working on a laptop!);
The distance between the monitor and our eyes is between 40 and 75 cm.
Like this height adjustable desk, by offering up to 8 colors and 4 sizes, you can design your desk to your liking to get the perfect desk for your daily work and life. Best of all, the laminate withstands pressure well, is eco-friendly and affordable. All desk stands can handle a variety of user scenarios, especially those between 5'7" and 6'4" tall. But our Aurora Level 3 frame goes even beyond. With a height adjustment range of 24.4" to 49.6", it is also suitable for users over 6'4" and children under 5'.
What if I can't stand to work?
What can happen is that, despite the sincerest intentions, nothing can be done. The boss doesn't want to buy the best ergonomic office chair or you simply don't have what it takes to work standing up.
Relax, here are some tips to improve your productivity:
1. Get more exercise - instead of wasting time on Facebook, take a break to walk and stretch your bones. Again - the Pomodoro method, or, for example, a good fitness band, will help you plan your rest periods and develop focus;
2. Stand up for the meeting - the meeting is already on it, so let me remind you - less time, more active participants - profit! :);
3. Stand on the phone - if you talk to clients a lot, leave the room and go for a walk;
4. Get more exercise after get off work – run, walk, run an extra lap with your dog – your back will thank you!
