The standing desk might be one of the best innovations for the modern office. It can help improve your posture, increase your focus and productivity, and reduce the number of health risks that are associated with prolonged sitting. Though a standing desk isn’t the “magic solution,” you still need to use it properly.
Not only will we give you steps and strategies, but we will also give you some of the benefits of balancing standing with sitting. Believe it or not, standing all day long is not what it’s cracked up to be. With this being said, let’s get the ball rolling with this guide.
What Makes Proper Standing so Important?
To begin, we will discuss what makes proper standing so important. The thing is, when you are using standing desks, you’ll be able to make sure your posture is proper. You can prevent things like back pain, joint stiffness, and other musculoskeletal issues. Specifically, these benefits will come to mind:
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Reduction of Back and Neck Pain: With proper alignment, you can minimize the risk of strain in your spine and neck.
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Improves Circulation: You’ll be able to promote better blood flow throughout your body, particularly to your leg muscles and feet.
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Boosts Productivity: Proper standing will allow you to focus more while reducing distractions like discomfort and fatigue.
As such, make sure you can use a standing desk that will address your workspace needs. The AnyDesk or AnyDesk Fold will certainly be a go-to standing desk that will be a good fit for your home or standard office space.
How to Set Up Your Standing Desk
If you want to know how to stand at a standing desk properly, it’s important to have the right setup. You’ll want to set up your standing desk properly to ensure you’re in an ergonomically friendly position. Let’s take a look at what you need to do:
Adjust the Desk Height
Make sure your desk is at a height that allows your elbows to form a 90-degree angle while you are typing. Make sure that your shoulders are relaxed as you are standing upright. Adjust the desk so that your keyboard and mouse are both at elbow level. Finally, your forearms should be parallel to the floor while your elbows are bent.
Position Your Monitor
Make sure your computer monitor is positioned at eye level. This is to help you prevent neck strain. Make sure that the monitor itself is placed 20 to 28 inches away from your eyes, while the top of the screen is slightly below or at eye level. Tilt the screen upward a bit so you can eliminate glare while accommodating a neutral neck position.
Consider an Anti-Fatigue Mat
Of course, an anti-fatigue mat will come in handy in knowing how to stand at a standing desk, especially when you plan on standing for extended periods. An anti-fatigue mat will allow you to stay on your feet for a long time while making subtle movements that will help reduce the pressure in your joints and feet.
The idea here is to make sure you set it to where it is ergonomically friendly based on your height and other needs. Furthermore, you should consider the idea of balancing sitting with standing as too much of either can be a bad thing. That’s why a BOBA Chair may prove itself useful or an ergonomic chair that is well-designed to give your body excellent support during those long work days.
How to Maintain the Proper Standing Posture
After you have set up your desk to the correct height based on your ergonomic recommendations, let’s focus more on posture. It’s ideal for you to consider using these tips and strategies to ensure you can assume a proper standing position accordingly. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Distribute Your Weight Evenly
Be sure to evenly shift your weight. This means avoiding leaning or shifting your weight to one side or another. By evenly distributing your weight, you can be able to reduce any strain on your knees, hips, and lower back.
Keep Your Feet Flat
Make sure your feet are flat on the floor and roughly shoulder-width apart from one another. By doing this, you’ll provide yourself with a stable base while keeping yourself properly aligned. In addition, you should use supportive footwear as well. Do not stand on your tip-toes, cross your legs, or wear high heels.
Engage Your Core
By engaging your core muscles, you will provide your lower back with excellent support while maintaining a neutral spine. Make sure you stand tall with your shoulders down and back. Also, resist arching your lower back by tucking your pelvis slightly under. Make sure your neck is also straight—like an invisible string is pulling upward from it.
Keep Your Shoulders Relaxed
Get your shoulders relaxed so there is no discomfort with your neck or upper back. Do not tense up or hunch them. Also, you should avoid shrugging them upward while you are in the standing position.
Do Not Lock Your Knees
By locking your knees, you will restrict the blood flow that is needed with your legs and feet. This will be a recipe for trouble in the future. Instead, try slightly bending your knees so the likelihood of strain is reduced along with promoting better circulation—further giving you other excellent health benefits.
Incorporate Movement
Even if you are standing properly, standing in one position can be detrimental. You could risk fatigue and stiffness. That’s why you should incorporate movement regularly so you can maintain comfort while utilizing subtle movements to keep active. It would also be ideal to take regular breaks every 30 to 60 minutes so you can move around and stretch.
You should also consider walking around your workspace as well for a few minutes. Coupling this with arm, leg, and back stretches, you’ll be able to use these breaks to your advantage. Of course, we cannot stress the idea of balancing sitting and standing. Alternate every 30 to 45 minutes so you can maintain comfort while preventing overexertion from happening.
Consider Numerous Tools for Maximizing Your Standing Experience
There are plenty of tools and accessories that will help maximize our standing experience—making it as comfortable and ergonomically friendly as possible. There are plenty of ergonomic accessories that you can choose from including monitor arms, footrests, and keyboard trays. Don’t forget, you also have different types of supportive footwear that can help with reducing foot fatigue.
Lastly, use a desk chair that is height-adjustable and designed with ergonomics in mind, especially when there are design options for lumbar support, so you can get the best out of maintaining proper posture.
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Standing Correctly
When you use a standing desk, please note that there are plenty of long-term benefits that you can enjoy. These include the following:
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Improved Posture: With improved posture, you can be able to get better alignment in your spine. Meanwhile, you won’t have to worry about the risk of musculoskeletal issues that could occur with poor posture.
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Increased Energy Levels: You’ll be able to notice a boost in energy because the likelihood of fatigue is reduced. Furthermore, you’ll also promote better circulation that will allow you to keep going for longer periods of work.
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Reduced Health Risks: By moving regularly, you can be able to reduce the risk of numerous chronic conditions. They include obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other related conditions. Don't forget that standing for too long can lead to issues as well, like varicose veins and foot pain.
While standing properly is a great way to acquire these benefits, don’t forget to sit down whenever necessary. Again, balance is key and it should be done regularly.
Final Thoughts
Now you have an idea of how to stand correctly when using a standing desk, you must follow the tips and steps above so you can maximize your overall experience. There are plenty of long-term benefits that come with proper standing positions, and you’ll feel a lot better physically and mentally.
Don’t forget that you’ll still need periods to sit so you can reduce the amount of fatigue and discomfort that can occur with long-term standing. Make sure you adjust your standing desk properly for both sitting and standing.
Are you in need of or looking to purchase a standing desk? Check out TopJob. They sell the AnyDesk Nest and the AnyDesk Fold, both of which are easily adjustable, allowing you to stay comfortable while working. In addition, they sell ergonomic chairs that allow your spine to be in optimal alignment during sitting breaks. Happy shopping!
