Why Adopting a Standing Desk is Beneficial for Remote Workers
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The Importance of Modifying Your Sitting Habits
It's crucial to change your sitting patterns today to prevent health issues tomorrow.
Photo by TheStandingDesk on Unsplash
Recently, I came across an article by Gideon M-K, a self-proclaimed Health Nerd, on Medium, titled "Are Standing Desks a Waste of Time?" He raises an important concern: while standing desks encourage more standing, it's uncertain whether this alone enhances health benefits.
Personally, I have always preferred walking meetings or calls. Moving around often leads to my most innovative ideas. Early in my career at an international agency, I found myself confined to a non-adjustable desk for over eight hours daily. Those walking discussions became essential, yet I soon faced back pain, even at just 24 years old.
The Consequences of a Sedentary Lifestyle
The notion that "sitting is the new smoking" has gained traction. This assertion comes from a comprehensive meta-analysis involving one million participants, revealing that individuals who sat for more than eight hours daily without engaging in physical activity faced a mortality risk comparable to that of smokers.
Sitting as an Epidemic
During my university years, I worked at a call center where sitting for long hours was the norm. I often neglected breaks for meals or restroom visits to maximize my earnings. On average, employees spend around 77% of their workdays seated, only pausing for necessary activities.
The Ideal Sit-Stand Program
Cornell University researchers have established an optimal Sit-Stand schedule: for every 20 minutes of sitting, one should stand for 8 minutes and move for 2 minutes. This is where standing desks, as highlighted by Gideon, come into play.
Once I stepped into a managerial role, I was fortunate enough to receive a height-adjustable desk. From day one, it was a game-changer for me. My back pain vanished, and I felt revitalized and more creative. However, similar to my earlier experience of prolonged sitting, I soon found myself standing for extended periods.
Scientific Insights
Research indicates that even light activities, like standing and moving for a few minutes, can mitigate the adverse effects of excessive sitting. However, standing for too long can also lead to health risks, such as an increased likelihood of heart disease. It's essential not to remain on your feet for hours on end.
Practical Steps to Incorporate a Standing Desk
Given the insights above, integrating a height-adjustable desk into your routine is wise. During the pandemic, many struggled to find standing desks, leading numerous friends and colleagues to invest in one for their home offices. Here are some strategies to effectively use a standing desk at home:
- Establish a Routine: Adjust your desk height and stand during calls.
- Take Active Breaks: Step out for coffee or hold walking meetings.
- Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle at the opposite end of your home to encourage movement.
- Increase Exercise: Use time saved from commuting to engage in home workouts.
Remember the Ideal Sit-Stand Program as you work.
Final Thoughts — Movement is Key
Our bodies require movement for long-term health. For every 20 minutes of sitting, aim to stand for 8 minutes and move for 2 minutes. Alternate between sitting, standing, and walking regularly.
Embrace the philosophy of a "rolling stone gathers no moss." Human beings are meant to move, switching between various postures. A standing desk can facilitate this dynamic lifestyle.
So, don’t wait out this pandemic. Stand up, not just to stand, but to enhance your overall well-being.
In the first video, "I tried a Standing Desk for 100 days - here's what happened," the creator shares their personal experience with standing desks and their impact on productivity and health.
The second video, "Should You Buy a Standing Desk in 2023?" discusses the pros and cons of investing in a standing desk, helping viewers make informed decisions.
© Kristina God
Kristina God is a Medium Top Writer, entrepreneur, marketer, and mom.