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Standing desks are growing in popularity among office workers. In the past, sitting has been the norm and you could barely find employees and business owners standing at work, except for cases where it is a job requirement. However, this is changing fast as more and more people realise the benefits of standing desks. Sitting, while it offers some comforts, has been linked to a couple of some health issues that people face in the workplace today. A good example is back pain. Most people who work for long hours while seated will at some point complain of back pain. Other negative effects that have been linked to sitting for long hours include fatigue, and high risks for obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

These are some of the key issues standing desks are designed to address. Instead of sitting all day long, workers can complete their normal day to day tasks while standing. Some of the desks are adjustable to a sitting position allowing the user to switch between sitting and standing. Below are some of the health benefits that have been linked to standing desks.

Burning More Calories

Sitting is a sedentary activity and this is probably the reason why it is associated with weight gain and obesity. Sitting for long periods of time slows down your metabolism. Standing, on the other hand, takes more effort to stay upright and thus at the end of the day you could end up burning more calories. However, experts have argued that you can only burn very few calories and thus standing while working won’t probably contribute so much to weight loss goals. If you are trying to lose weight, maybe you can consider a regular exercise regime or an under the desk treadmill.

Blood Circulation

The other benefit you can get from a standing desk is more energy and greater alertness. This is because standing can boost circulation of blood in the body. When circulation improves, the cells get adequate supply, and organs function optimally.

Reduced Risk of Diseases

Sitting for a long period of time can lead cause back pain, fatigue, and other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. Heart disease and diabetes are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Working while standing can reduce such risks. However, note that standing for prolonged periods of time can lead to a number of health issues. It can worsen existing health conditions and cause other issues such as lower back pain and varicose veins. This is why, in most countries, you will find that it is a regulation or recommendation for employers to provide comfortable seats for the employees.

However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give the standing desks a try. You can, but with measures to avoid risks associated with the same. Some good examples of measures you can take to avoid the negative effects of standing for too long include alternating between sitting and standing, especially when working all day long, using anti-fatigue mats, and taking breaks. Yes, you do need breaks even when you are working while standing. You need breaks to refresh and avoid fatigue. Thus, ensure you don’t skip your tea breaks, walk around while on the phone, do some leg workouts at work and at home, and find other ways to stay active, such as taking the stairs.

Note that when using a standing desk, the number of breaks you take, especially due to tiredness and an inability to focus, can reduce. This is because as stated above, standing can keep you more alert and focused. With fewer breaks, you can get more done.

Better Mental Health

Sitting all day can increase the risk of mental health issues such anxiety, stress, and depression. Mental health affects mood and productivity. Stress and other psychological issues can also increase the chances of making errors. If you are stressed out while at work, you could end up causing chaos and stressing others. This is why you should consider taking breaks from sitting every few minutes, standing and walking around, and working while standing when possible. With such measures, you can avoid emotional and psychological issues that are harmful to your health and productivity.

For business, the overall benefit is increased productivity. When you are healthy, energetic, alert, and not stressed out, you can do more effectively. This is one of the key reasons employers are investing in standing desks for their employees and why you should consider doing the same.  It is an investment that will pay off in both the short and long run, and it doesn’t have to break your bank. You can find an affordable option by simply taking your time to compare different offers on the market. Check the quality and aesthetics too when shopping. Most companies such as FRISKA offer height adjustable standing desks in different designs and colours. Thus, it shouldn’t be hard to find the perfect desks to match your needs, style and budget. FRISKA, Swedish for healthy, is a UK based company that is focused on quality design, home and office furniture.

Once you have purchased a standing desk for your office, ensure that it’s adjusted to the correct height when in use. It shouldn’t be too low or too high. The general recommendation is to use your elbows as the guide when setting the height. When your desk is not at the correct height, you can end up straining your hands, neck, and back. The wrong height can also lead to bad posture. The next thing you should do is ensure you have a high-quality standing desk mat. Standing on a hard surface without a mat for long can cause tiredness, swollen legs and fatigue. Finally, make sure you have a comfortable and supportive seat. If you work for an hour while standing and then sit on a seat that doesn’t support your back well, you will get back pain and thus your standing efforts will bear no fruit. So, get a good seat, maintain good posture when seated, and don’t sit for too long.