Five standing desk benefits

Five standing desk benefits by Amber Rolfe Not sure what a standing desk is for? We’ve got you covered…For many of us, sitting down for long periods of time every day is an inevitable part of our jobs. But if done without the right breaks, this can contribute to a wide range of health problems. And whilst standing for your entire shift might not be an option, there may be some key ways to counteract the risks and ultimately improve your wellbeing.To help you see the positive effects, here are five benefits of having a standing desk:  It lowers your risk of obesity It’s no secret that sitting down for long periods of time isn’t great for your health â€" and the problem only gets worse when you end up consuming more calories than you’re burning.And with most office workers prone to regular snacking (and/or cake in the kitchen), staying healthy at work can seem like an almost impossible task.But what if we told you that you could burn calories, just by standing still? Well, that’s exactly what we’re saying. In fact, working at a standing desk would mean you’d be getting rid of around 50 more calories every hour than you would if you were sitting.That’s 750 calories a week, and 30,000 calories a year.It’s basically like going to the gym. Sort of.Top 5 â€" Ways to keep fit at work  It reduces back pain Back pain is one of the most common complaints from people who spend the majority of their working day sat in front of a screen.Particularly if you’re an office worker, you’re probably familiar with those aches and pains you get after a long day of sitting still. Maybe even more so than a mild work-out session. Makes no sense, right? Wrong.Sitting increases the risk of slouching in your chair, arching your back, and bending your neck, causing weak muscles, poor posture, and more. A study published by the CDC proves the benefits of standing desks, revealing that the use of one in combination with sitting reduced upper back and neck pain by over 50%.Just make sure y ou refrain from leaning on desks/window frames/the nearest person.It makes you less susceptible to heart disease Moving around is good for your heart. Fact.Studies dating back to the 1950s show that those who sit for long periods of time (without regular standing breaks) are more likely to suffer from heart problems than those who are more active in their day-to-day.In fact, people who sit the most are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease.But this doesn’t mean you should stand all day. The key to maintaining good health at work is all about moderation. So aim to heed the benefits of sitting and standing, alternating between both throughout your shift.After all, standing for just three hours a day is practically the same as running ten marathons a year.Apparently…  It decreases your blood sugar levels Ever fallen victim to the afternoon slump, thanks to a questionably large lunch?You should probably stand up.Because your blood sugar levels increase after a meal, it†™s particularly important to stay active after you eat, in addition to taking regular breaks throughout the day.Standing is a great way to help prevent a potentially harmful build-up of sugars, which could not only boost your energy levels, but may also reduce your risk of diabetes in the long term. Sitting down for too long can also slow down your metabolism and promote fat accumulation.The result? You can say yes to that extra large portion, with slightly less guilt.It could boost your mood Standing desks don’t just benefit your health; they could actually make you more productive.Sitting for long periods of time is scientifically proven to contribute to thinning of the brain structures that we need to maintain memory â€" making standing breaks absolutely essential if you want to keep your mind healthy.Standing desks are also beneficial for your wellbeing and overall happiness at work, with studies showing that those who stand as well as sit feel less stress and fatigue than peo ple who only sit.And because you’ll be increasing blood flow to the brain by standing, you may also notice a boost in energy throughout the day, as well as a reduced risk of feelings of anxiety and depression.Six tips to improve your workplace wellbeingFive reasons you’re unhappy at work    Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs nowFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Life At Work Workplace culture