Standing: I’ve done it! I’d been thinking about it for a while and I’ve invested in a sit/stand desk!
I realised that I regularly spend many hours a day sitting at my computer, often for several hours at a time and I know it’s not good for me. I’ve tension in my neck and shoulders. I live in fear of developing a profile like the hunchback of Notre Dame. So, I have (ahem) taken a stand. Now I can adjust the height of my desk. With the touch of a button I can go from working while sitting to standing.
A good environment to work in is really important, especially if you are in it for hours on end.
Good working conditions should include adequate lighting, at all times of the day (or night). Natural light is best but there will be times you’ll need to rely on electric lights so a good wattage bulb and possibly a desk lamp for task lighting. Find yourself a dedicated space with a proper desk or work surface. Get an ergonomic chair to give support and encourage good posture habits. While you’re thinking about furniture I’d recommend getting a file cupboard and/or pedestal draws. Lockable draws will help to maintain a tidy office, clear desk policy and secure any personal data for the GDPR rules.
You should plan DSE (Display Screen Equipment) breaks into your day. To get away from looking at a monitor or other screens. It’s not good for the eyes to stare at a screen so do some paperwork instead or better, get up, do some filing, make a cuppa or go out for a walk.
Benefits
A sit/stand desk won’t necessarily help me to stop looking at my computer, but it does have other benefits. Heathline.com lists the following reasons for standing to work:
- Lowers Your Risk of Weight Gain and Obesity
- Using a Standing Desk May Lower Blood Sugar Levels
- May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
- Appears to Reduce Back Pain
- Could help Improve Mood and Energy Levels
- May Even Boost Productivity
- Standing More May Help You Live Longer
www.juststand.org incredibly says, “By standing for three additional hours each day over the course of a year, you can burn up to 30,000 extra calories and eight pounds of fat. That’s the equivalent of running about ten marathons”
I have followed advice and am building up the time I spend standing. Starting with around 20 minutes standing at a time. I have also bought myself a specially designed spongy mat to keep my feet happy while I’m standing. I’m figuring out the work I like to do standing and the things that I’m better off sitting to do. It’s thought that we could be more efficient while standing for things like emails and social media and that standing to make phone calls can psychologically make us feel more assertive. Of course, you don’t need to splash the cash on a fancy new desk just to make phone calls on your feet!
Find out more at http://getbritainstanding.org/