How To Get the Most Out of Your Sit-Stand Desk

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to find ourselves scrambling for more hours in the day. Eating healthy meals at regular times, getting enough sleep each night, and exercising are basic lifestyle practices that many of us struggle to accomplish.

Although a sit-stand desk (also known as height-adjustable desks) won’t cook you dinner or get you into bed earlier, it will naturally increase the amount of movement you get in your day. Sit-stand desks encourage you to change postures and stretch throughout the day.

Now there’s a way to use a sit-stand desk and a WAY to use a sit-stand desk. Sure, you can follow the basic instruction manual that it comes with, but if you’re interested in optimizing the health benefits associated with height-adjustable desks, follow the suggestions below.

Stand Tall

One of the most common complaints expressed by people who work sedentary jobs is neck and back pain. Luckily, you can save yourself from this trend by using your sit-stand desk. Stand with correct posture by aligning your hips over your feet. Stand tall and wear comfortable shoes to support your feet. When your muscles begin to feel tired, take that as a sign that it’s time to take a break. Do some deskside yoga, take a short walk, or flex your legs.

Alternate

Research indicates that it’s healthiest to alternate between sitting and standing rather than assuming one position for hours at a time. Set a goal to stand for approximately 10-15 minute intervals five times a day. This maximizes the health benefits that sit-stand desks have to offer, such as increased metabolism, re-energized muscles, and alleviated back pain.

Take a Yoga Break

Take a yoga break with a simple forward fold. Stand tall, interlace your hands behind your back, bend forward from the hip joints, and let your head hang heavy. This stretch relieves tension stored in your shoulders and neck. The flow of blood to the head will reinvigorate your focus at work.

Take a Walk

People who use sit-stand desks are more likely to walk around the office, stretch, and move around than those who work sitting down. Every time you transition from sitting to standing, you burn calories. These calories add up and encourage weight loss over time. Maybe if you lose enough, you can bump up your doughnut intake from one to two. Yeah, I’m looking at you, Carl.

Know Your Brain

Some people focus best while sitting, and some concentrate better while standing. Notice which category you fall into. Spend more time in the position that helps you best experience a boost in your workday productivity.

Position your keyboard

When you’re hyper-focused on your shoulders and back, it’s easy to forget about your wrists. However, correctly positioning your wrists is important for preventing pain and discomfort. Position your mouse and keyboard close enough to you that your elbows are near your body and keep your wrists directed straight ahead with your upper arms close to the body.

We know life is busy and that it’s hard to find time for everything. Take the pressure off and make things easier for yourself with the help of a sit-stand desk.

Conventional office desks are a thing of the past. With research indicating numerous health benefits associated with alternating between sitting and standing at work, sit-stand desks are in demand. Check out our selection to find one that works best for you.