On Health and Well-Being: The Benefits of Sit-Stand Desks You Should Know

Sit-stand desks are one of the best innovations being introduced when it comes to ergonomics. They are known to contribute to comfort and excellent working performance in the workplace. They can improve posture and provide benefits to health and overall well-being.

What is a Sit-Stand Desk?

A sit-stand desk is also known as a height-adjustable desk. It is used by an employee to raise or lower his desk as per his needs. Workers can adjust the chair while standing or sitting as long as they are comfortable in using it. These types of desks can blend effectively with the office design and may look at ordinary furniture in the first look.

Based on some studies and observations made, employees who use sit-stand desks are more productive and happy at work. Besides, they are also more engaged in reducing the level of fatigue, anxiety, and absenteeism.

As we all know, sitting for long periods can impact on health and well-being. It is also blamed for some health issues such as herniated discs, muscle degeneration, obesity, neck strain, and posture-related problems. More and more studies are revealing that switching from sitting to standing can offer big help. That is why sit-stand desks are designed and created to promote concentration, productivity, and creativity.

Aside from becoming more productive, sit-stand desks also help in leveraging focus on work and decision-making. Studies revealed that office workers spend 65% to 75% working on their jobs, and most of their time is spent in prolonged periods of long hours of sitting. A study conducted in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that those who more often seated are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Experts recommend that when doing work at your desk, you should spend at least two hours standing. It must be done in between working while sitting. This helps in reducing leg fatigue and lower back pain.

Top Health Benefits Of Sit-Stand Desks 

Nowadays, jobs are continuously becoming desk-bound. Jobs such as typing, writing, and others that require computers are spending time while sitting on their desks. This is termed as ‘sedentary lifestyle’ or ‘sitting disease,’ and poses a health risk in today’s modern lifestyle.

A sedentary lifestyle includes a metabolic syndrome and adverse effects of too much sitting. This also results in an increased risk of heart diseases, diseases, weight gain, and chronic pain. Prolonged sitting has been proven to worsen health conditions and performance in life and work.

What makes it more interesting is that we can make small changes to our daily habits. It can make a significant improvement, especially in achieving a healthier lifestyle. Strive to stand from time to time to bring benefits to the body, mind, and overall well-being.

One of the interesting and most effective ways of dealing with a sedentary lifestyle is to incorporate a sit-stand desk at work. A sit-stand desk effectively allows a worker to alternate between sitting and standing while at work.

Below are six of the top-most health benefits of using a sit-stand desk. 

#1 Using a sit-stand desk can relieve chronic pain. A lot of people experience chronic back pain and neck pain due to excessive sitting. Experts have stated that our bodies are not engineered to sitting for long hours. It should be used to stand and move so the strain on your joints will be avoided. Besides, it can also lead to acquiring pinched nerves, herniated discs, digestive problems, and body pain.

Some studies revealed that lower back pain is the leading complaint of the workers who are engaged in too much sitting in the workplace. This leads to lower-income, higher health costs, and decreased productivity. Through standing, posture can be improved, and the spine can be naturally aligned on its position. The great news, according to some research, is that there is a reduction of 54% in back and neck pain. This is when standing desks are used.

#2 A sit-stand desk promotes a better way to sit stand-switch capability. Medical experts have advised a “sit stand-switch” philosophy to promote optimum health. This strategy states to alternate between sitting and standing every 30 minutes. It is proven to help prevent too much strain from having your body in just one position. A sit-stand desk enables and makes it easier to switch from sitting to standing. You just need to utilize a hand crank or an automated button.

#3 A sit-stand desk helps prevent metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome refers to the various conditions that stimulate the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain issues. Not only does standing can burn 30% more calories every hour than sitting. But, it can also activate the muscular and cellular systems to process blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Besides, standing also helps in moderating the levels of insulin. When you live a sedentary lifestyle, these vital processes in the body slow down. This may cause your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and cholesterol levels to rise, as well as the risk for diabetes and heart disease.

#4 A sit-stand desk supports exercise + standing as a form of fitness. An exercise for an hour a day can not be enough to overcome the risky 12-hour sitting in the workplace. Low-impact movements, including walking and standing, can play a vital role in the body’s metabolic processes. This can also offer various benefits to the overall well-being. The body requires moderate movements throughout the day, and by adding the usage of a sit-stand desk to the usual daily exercise, the body will be at the peak of health and fitness.

#5 A sit-stand desk can help improve energy and mood levels. Moving our body helps pump blood and oxygen to the brain — this process aids in releasing mood-enhancing chemicals. There are studies which revealed that workers who use standing desks showed improvement in their moods and energy level. They become more motivated at work, enthusiastic, and morale-boosting among employees. Standing is said to be a natural way to increase energy levels and alertness by using a sit-stand desk.

#6 Using a sit-stand desk can help enhance brainpower. An excellent circulation aids in promoting good health; this is by stimulating blood flow in the body. It facilitates neurogenesis, which is known as the process of creating new cells. When standing, more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the brain. This increases brain power and leads to better performance and improved productivity.

It’s no doubt that incorporating a sit-stand desk in the workplace will result in more positive results in health and overall well-being. This will ensure to work more comfortable and aid in unleashing the creative insights to contribute to the organization.