Sitting is the new smoking when it comes to how bad it is for overall health. Only 55% of Australian adults get the recommended level of physical activity as per the Australian Health Survey. The pandemic has amplified the concern of leading a sedentary lifestyle by many folds. Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a significant rise in work from home jobs, leading to even lesser physical activity.
The advent of work from home prompted many people to build in-home offices to increase productivity, leading many to shop for office furniture online. One piece of furniture that is quite popular online these days is a standing desk. It enhances productivity while keeping a person quite literally on the toes.
Standing desks have been around for many years, but they are gaining immense popularity now since people realise the health benefits.
Standing while working is not difficult if you have the right equipment. Standing desks or height adjustable desks make it convenient to change positions throughout the workday.
And, here are some benefits of standing desks that will convince you to switch desks.
-
Relieves Back Pain
Working throughout the day while sitting on a chair puts a great deal of stress on the lower back and the spine. Owing to this, back pain is one of the common complaints of most office workers. According to a study conducted in 2011, even working for one hour while standing will help relieve the stress on the lower back and the spine.
If lower back pain is one of the primary reasons to opt for a standing desk, then you can go for an electronically adjustable option. The vast adjustabilities in height will help improve your body posture.
-
Increases Your Concentration
Standing increases your brain function as it pumps blood around your body and brain.
As per a study, more than 70% of people who used an adjustable standing desk felt more focused when compared to the regular slouching and humping over the desk. Investing in a height-adjustable desk is an excellent idea as it helps to focus more.
-
Reduces the Risk of Various Ailments
When people slouch at desks, it lowers the calorie-burning mechanism of our body to a third of its normal functioning. This results in a reduced metabolism rate, increasing the risk of becoming obese and being diabetic. Pair these factors with an unhealthy lifestyle and less physical activity, and it may lead to cardiovascular diseases, swollen ankles, high cholesterol and much. So, keeping the body on toes is the way to go to avoid health problems.
-
Gives an Energy Boost
A change immediately noticeable while starting to work on a standing desk is the boost in energy. It keeps the blood flowing through the body, reduces blood pressure, and opens up more space for unrestricted movement.
-
Burns Calories
Surprisingly, the simple act of standing can lead to the burning of 50 calories in an hour. If you use the desk for extended hours, the number of calories lost will add up. However, simply standing is not a substitute for regular exercise.
Moreover, some people go a step further and invest in a treadmill compatible with standing desks to work while walking. It helps them stay fit and lets them incorporate exercise into their work.
Investing in a height-adjustable standing desk seems like a worthy option when you consider the benefits. But make sure to do your research when buying office furniture online as there are many types of desks available. Consider the space you have, the desk’s height, and add-on features before deciding.