Do Standing Desks Help Productivity?

Through the years, standing desks have become a popular option for workers, children, and students whose daily routine requires them to remain sedentary. Unfortunately, prolonged sitting increases the risks of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. In addition, prolonged hours of sedentary behavior can be detrimental to your mental health, slow your metabolism, and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

While there are many ways to increase standing time, one way to promote reduced sitting is a standing desk. Not only can they help decrease the risks that come with prolonged sitting, but standing desks can also boost productivity growth, foster labour productivity growth, increase focus and cognition, and keep you active.

Are Standing Desks Good for Productivity?

Yes, standing desks can help improve productiveness. According to a study, sit-stand desks increased subjects’ factors of vitality in work engagement, and self-assessment of their performance rose. 

However, like all good things, standing while working is best in moderation. In other words, studies have always emphasized that prolonged sitting can increase adverse health risks, but, at the same time, prolonged standing can lead to risks as well.

Let’s discuss the effects of prolonged sitting and prolonged standing further.

Effects of Prolonged Sedentary Behavior

Prolonged sedentary behavior can lead to:

• High cholesterol

• Increased risk of cardiac death

• High blood sugar

• Obesity

• Increased possibility of diabetes

• Some forms of cancer

• Shoulder stiffness

• Neck pain

• Lower back pain

• Mental health issues

Effects of Prolonged Standing

On the other hand, prolonged standing can lead to:

• Lack of blood from legs veins to heart

• Musculoskeletal pain

• Lower back pain

• Foot pain

• Neck and shoulder discomfort

• Dizziness

• Carotid artery disease

• Varicose veins

This is why many recommend sit-stand desks to increase efficiency. A sit-stand desk is height-adjustable, allowing people to rest and stand as they wish. 

Does Standing Boost Productivity, According to Science?

According to scientific studies, increased standing time can lead to increased productivity. A study of call center employees who were also standing desk users resulted in productive improvements and improved mental focus for extended periods. Standing desks are just one method used to reduce daily sedentary lifestyle behavior for long hours and, thus, improve living standards. Here are some ways that standing can help.

Reduced Health Risks

With prolonged sedentary behavior comes higher risks of cardiac disease and diabetes. In general, giving your body a break from sitting can help reduce these risks, specifically if you spend a lot of time sitting in front of a computer. Any variation of a standing activity will help, and while using a sit-stand desk does qualify as exercise, they can help reduce sitting time. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children and young adults between the ages of 6 and 17 should spend at least one hour a day engaging in physical activity.

Studies on the effects of reducing prolonged sedentary behavior with children in primary school showed improvements in a child’s overall health, self-esteem, and social behavior.

While everyone should commit to at least an hour of physical activity a day, most children, in particular, have heaps of energy that need to be burned off. A study involving a primary school in Ludwigsburg, Germany, advocated for installing standing desks in classrooms, accompanied by instructors' motivation during lessons to decrease sedentary time.

Decreased Pain

The leading culprit of discomfort from prolonged sitting is reports of lower back pain. While practicing good posture can relieve lower back pain, it’s not all that comfortable, if we're being honest. Reducing sedentary time by engaging in various standing activities like yoga, stretching, or walking can undoubtedly help musculoskeletal pain, especially chronic pain.

By reducing physical pain, it could help your body and brain be more present and engaged in work, school, or meetings. Another study using 60 male German college volunteers found that adjustable height workstations reduced overall complaints of musculoskeletal discomfort and increased employee productivity over a three-week period.

Increased Energy

Another issue with prolonged hours of sitting is low energy levels. Low vitality levels cause us to feel apathetic, lethargic, and fatigued. These effects encompass the feeling many office workers consider brain fog. Luckily, more standing can reduce these factors by increasing blood flow, which, in turn, can improve work engagement and performance satisfaction and instigate overall changes and benefits when it comes to productiveness and well being.

A study using customer care workers in a telecommunications company in Sydney, Australia, found that workers felt they had better-sustained vitality levels throughout their workday when they were given height adjustable desks. When physical capital and the overall production process can increase productivity, the employed persons produce more value and critical thinking during their hours worked, not to mention benefits such as better health outcomes and less physical discomfort.

Improved Mood

Standing desks can improve your mood because of the increased blood to your brain, reduced back pain, and better-sustained vitality levels.   

Research shows that standing desks positively affect workers, children, and students. For example, standing desks increased overall mood and energy levels and reduced feelings of tension, confusion, and depression for employees. While these effects of standing desks aren’t measurements of how productive employees are, they certainly signal efficiency improvements in overall labor statistics.

While this research of sit-stand desks for employees, children, and college students resulted in a positive reduction of factors associated with prolonged sedentary behavior, the effects on growth remain unclear from the studies above. This is because measuring or attempting to track an increase in productiveness is difficult.

However, a study by Texas A&M University did find that, over a six-month period, adjustable standing desks made workers 46% more productive than those with seated desks. The researcher's method of employee productivity measurement was based on the output produced. Specifically, the productivity measured was from the number of successful calls per hour worked.

Do Standing Desks Help Focus and Cognition?

On a national level, standing desks and cognition may help focus and cognition if users use them properly for short and long periods. For example, someone with a sit-stand desk will reduce their sedentary time, but they may not reap the benefits if they’re standing improperly. Throughout the day, a standing upright position and decreasing excessive sitting may only mean overall health improvements if related ergonomic adjustments are made, such as the use of a monitor arm, an ergonomic office chair and anti-fatigue floor mat.

By improper standing, we mean poor posture. Poor posture could worsen effects associated with prolonged standing and, thus, not produce productivity improvements of focus and cognition. 

Children are an excellent example of this, as they are more likely to lean and slouch on a standing desk. While the effects of increased cognitive function are uncertain, another academic study by Texas A&M did find that standing desks improve cognitive function.

Ranjana Mehta PhD., an assistant professor in the Department of Environment and Occupational Health at Texas A&M, used four computerized tests focusing on skills of time efficiency, memorization, reading comprehension, problem-solving, and thought organization. 

The university found that standing desks “improved executive function and working memory capabilities… [and] changes in corresponding brain activation patterns.” In addition, reducing sedentary time improves focus and cognition by increasing the overall circulation of blood, more oxygen, and nutrients sent to the brain.

Another study found that, in general, standing can enhance attention and cognition. The study used the Stroop Color and Word Test, the cognitive test that asks participants to say the typed out word (that is a color) instead of the color of the word. 

They found that participants had slightly quicker responses when standing rather than sitting. 

Using a standing desk can help focus and cognition because standing not only requires more physical exertion than sitting, but it activates the brain to contract muscles and ensure the body remains balanced with the right standing height of the desk.

Do Standing Desks Make a Difference?

Yes, adjustable sit-stand desks can make a real difference in comparison to a traditional desk. For one, using a standing desk changes your daily living standards because it lets you decide when to stand and when to sit. Since prolonged sitting and prolonged standings both result in adverse health outcomes, you’ll have to determine the best times to sit or stand for you. 

Studies have long discussed the adverse effects of prolonged sitting, so a sit-stand desk is one way to reduce the risks associated with such things as long as you're using a standing desk correctly. Schools and offices both have a work environment where people engage in prolonged sedentary behavior for over 5 per hour a day.

The government should consider creating incentives for workers using standing desks to boost public health. These incentives can help increase overall productivity. Based on the results, management can perform a productivity analysis to determine if there's an overall productivity increase when it comes to using the right desk and whether installing standing desks is worth the increase.

When people spend more time standing, they become more productive in general. For students, productivity growth is the key to success. For office jobs, encouraging high labour productivity levels for employees results in more output, higher energy level, better management practices, and overall productivity improvements.

Lastly, when people experience less muscular pain, brain fog, tension, and fatigue, they become better performers, more engaged, energetic, satisfied, and, most importantly, happy. Get health benefits like these when purchasing a sit stand desk from Desky and begin to add activity into your office day - let's move towards a healthier lifestyle!

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/standing-desks-help-productivity

What Happens If Your Desk is Too High?

Whether you work in an office or at home, spending time at a desk is part and parcel of many careers these days. Prolonged sitting is tied to a range of health issues, including musculoskeletal disorders, neck cricks, weight gain, and heart conditions. 

How is it possible that standing desk height could play such a massive role in overall health? Read on to learn more about how a height adjustment could change your workday.

Is It Bad If Your Desk Is Too High?

Yes, it is bad for your body if you work at a desk that’s too high. You could notice a range of issues related to your body working too hard. 

Consider how your body reacts to a desk that’s too high. You have to raise your arms to work on the desktop, which draws your shoulders up into a shrug. That creates strain across the lower back, upper back, shoulder blades, and neck.

Now, think about how your arms and hands move when you shift between activities, like typing or maneuvering the mouse. The chances are good that your limbs end up in unnatural positions that create tension in the muscles and stress the joints. Do you feel those aches and pains at the end of the day? 

What happens after a week or a month? There’s a good chance that you could end up seeking professional medical advice to relieve your pain all due to your desk height. Your doctor might suggest physical therapy or exercises to offset the impact, but it might not be enough.

Is It Better To Sit Higher Or Lower At A Desk?

Neither option is ideal. Sitting too high or too low can encourage slumping, stress the shoulder muscles and arm muscles, and permanently affect your posture. If you have no choice in desk or chair, there are a few steps you can take to find relief.

• Try raising or lowering your chair to a proper height.

• If you need to raise your seat, incorporate a footrest so that you can keep your feet flat and reduce leg strain.

• Adjust your monitor so that it’s at eye level. You might need to set it on a riser, but it can reduce neck pain and strain.

Don’t forget to address your desk setup. If you frequently make calls and your phone is at the far end of the desk, then you might want to move it closer to you. It’s also a good idea to store some rarely used items under your desk or in nearby drawers to free up space for the essentials.

Why Are Most Desks Too Tall?

Did you know that the standard height for office desks is 76cm? That means the standard desktop is at least 15cm too high for a 152cm tall employee. Even if that’s understandable, it might surprise you to learn that a 76cm desktop is too high for a 187cm tall employee. 

It’s not as easy to determine why the standard desk height is so tall, but some people posit that it has something to do with money and convenience more than worker performance and health. Of course, it could be that manufacturers are just now catching up to our understanding of ergonomics. 

If you have the option to buy a new desk, you can now consider a height adjustable desk or a standing desk. Plus, you have a selection of ergonomic chairs and adaptive devices, like monitor arms to move screens into optimal positions. These advancements mark an investment in our overall health and opportunities to correct height issues to accommodate a neutral posture.

Is My Desk Too High For Me? 

If you experience neck pain and shoulder pain after sitting for long hours at your desk, it might indicate that your desk is too high. To check your current workstation, sit at your desk and assess the setup.

• Your feet should be flat on the floor or footrest with your knees at a 90° angle.

• Relax your arms with your elbows near your core at a 90° angle.

• You should have straight wrists, a neutral posture, and the keyboard set at arm’s length so that you don’t lean forward.

• Keep your shoulders relaxed and not hunched forward to create a sunken chest.

You should be able to maintain this position for all work-related activities without contorting your body. If you notice your elbows dipping to relieve wrist pain, you might need to address your desk height

How High Should Your Desk Be? 

Calculating the right height for your desk is not complicated and could save you a lot of pain. It might help to have some help, but you can do it on your own. There are six measurements to consider when creating an ergonomic workstation.

Back Support

Sit in your office chair with your buttocks all the way to the back. Ideally, your chair should have some cushion to support the lower back while supporting the spine’s natural arch. If your office chair doesn’t have this support, adding a lumbar pillow can reduce the stress on your back and prevent your shoulder blades from slumping forward. 

Elbows

To keep your forearms parallel to the floor, your elbows should remain at a 90° angle. Your hands and upper arms should rest comfortably on the desktop to reach the keyboard and mouse without straining your elbows.

Arms and Shoulders

It’s easy to get your elbows aligned and figure everything is set, but that’s not the whole story. Armrests play a role in posture and supporting your shoulders so that you don’t slump forward. When resting your forearms on the armrests, you should notice that your shoulders raise up to reduce strain on the neck and shoulders. 

Hip to Knee

Your knees should extend slightly off the edge of the office chair. To determine the ideal height, you should be able to slide your fingers beneath your thighs at the front end. If it’s too tight or you can fit more than your fingers beneath your legs, then you need to adjust the desk, chair, or both.

Lower Legs

Sit all the way back in your chair with your feet flat on the floor. Can you pass your fist between the front of the chair and your calf? If not, you might need to add a cushion to the back of your chair or find a new one with a shorter seat.

Eye Level

Once you are comfortable in your chair with all of the above adjustments in place, it’s time to consider the monitor. When you look at the computer screen, your eyes should settle in the center so that you don’t have to tilt your head at all. 

Raising the monitor with a riser or monitor arm is an easy fix. If the monitor screen is too high, you might need a new desk that’s lower or has a shorter base. 

What Do I Do If My Desk Is Too High?

You might need to spend prolonged periods at a desk, but that doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable doing it! Office workers don’t have to switch careers to find relief, but they might need to adjust their workstations to achieve their ideal desk height.

Make Adjustments

If you can’t pick up a new desk, change your existing setup. There are several options to raise or lower your existing workstation or gear to reduce strain on your body.

• Add blocks beneath the desk legs to raise the entire desk. You can also add blocks, books, or a riser to lift the screen to eye level and reduce neck strain related to looking down.

• If the standard desk height is too tall for you, try cutting the legs down. Depending on the type of desk, you might be able to find shorter desk legs to achieve the ideal height.

• Adjust your chair height to work with your desk. It might involve adding a footrest to keep your legs and feet in line, but it can simulate height adjustment.

• Move your monitor closer to you. Some desks are too deep to accommodate comfort for an entire day, and your screen should never be more than arm’s length away from you.

Don’t forget to pay attention to lighting. Proper lighting is just as important as having an ergonomic chair or lowering a desk that is too high. 

Enhance the Existing Work Station

• If you can’t alter your desk, try enhancing your workstation. Of course, this might involve purchasing your own items, but it could have a massive impact on your well being.

• Address your mouse and keyboard arrangement. You might need wrist support or a drop drawer that brings your keyboard and mouse down to an appropriate level. Even setting your keyboard in your lap is preferable for maintaining proper elbow height.

• Pick up an ergonomic chair or at least one that has multiple adjustment options so that you can create a comfortable setup.

• Monitor arms can offset the need for height adjustable desks. They are typically easy to attach to any desk and allow you to move your monitor to the correct height.

Anything you can do to minimize reaching and maintain a proper sitting position while you work can help. 

Consider Purchasing a New Desk

It might be in your best interest to purchase a different desk. There are several ergonomic desks to choose from, including adjustable height desks and standing desks. Both options allow you to set the desk height and take a break from sitting.

Standing Desks

Switching to a standing desk could reduce risks related to prolonged sitting. You can easily change position while maintaining an appropriate desk height without worrying about related health issues.

Working in a standing position burns more calories and can improve your energy levels. Plus, standing can reduce back pain tied to sitting for long periods.

It’s also easier to set the proper desk height when using standing desks. With a standing desk, you only have to address shoulder blade position, elbow angle, and keep the wrists straight. You don’t even have to worry about finding a comfortable chair!

Adjustable Desks

Standing positions offer you a host of benefits, but some days sitting is preferable. A height adjustable desk, sometimes known as a sit stand desk, gives you the best of both worlds. They allow you to split your sitting and standing time throughout the workday or week.

Some people might cringe at the idea of a sit stand desk for fear of constantly adjusting the desk height, but modern versions make it easy to get the right desk height. While you might not want to make it an hourly habit, you can make the shift as needed.

If you want a standing desk, you have plenty of options, including narrow pedestal standing desks for small spaces that fit almost anywhere. You can even find L-shaped height adjustable desks to slide into corner spaces.

Having the option to change position based on your workflow and how your body feels is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Choosing a height adjustable desk or standing desk is an investment into your long-term health.

Adjust Your Desk To The Perfect Height With A Standing Desk

Though office ergonomics is an evolving field, it’s clear that the standard desk height doesn’t work for most people. It’s easy to buy ergonomic desks with ergonomic chairs and expect that to suffice, but many workers still need to adjust for improper desk height.

When your desk is too high, it triggers a chain reaction in your body that impacts your health. It might sound a bit melodramatic, even impossible, but finding the ideal desk height and sitting ergonomically at your desk could improve worker performance and reduce the impact of sitting all day. 

Working at a standing desk could be the best thing you do for your body. It relieves the pressure on your spine and alleviates tension and pain throughout your body. Plus, it’s much easier to find the proper desk height with a standing desk. Have a look at Desky's range of high-quality sit stand desks and purchase your new desk today.

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/what-happens-desk-too-high

Corey Crawford Reviews: The Desky Dual Hardwood Sit Stand Desk and Desky Pro Plus Ergonomic Chair

Welcome to my desk setup!

Ever since I've moved into my new studio space, I've always been on the hunt and very obsessed with hunting for that dream desk setup. Today I'll be reviewing the Desky Dual Hardwood Sit Stand Desk along with the Pro Plus Ergonomic Chair.

Take a look at my video review of the Desky Dual Standing Desk and Pro Plus Ergonomic Chair:

 

Since the beginning of this year, I've been on a hunt for a durable sit stand desk but I was on the fence about it. I didn't wanna spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on a sit stand desk and not use it to its full capability. At first, I was skeptical on whether or not this would be a worthwhile investment and if I'd ever use the standing function.

A couple of months ago, Desky reached out and contacted me wondering if I would like to try out their sit stand desk along with their Pro Plus Ergonomic Chair. I couldn't help myself but to wonder what all this sit stand desk hype was about ...so I accepted.

Full disclaimer: Desky did not pay me to make this video nor did they persuade my opinions in any sort of way. These are my honest thoughts and opinions to help you figure out whether or not a sit stand desk would be a perfect addition to your own workspace, as well as whether standing desks are better than sitting.

The Desky Dual Hardwood Sit Stand Desk

Size and Table Top Quality

One thing I was needing in a desk was enough length to fit my peripherals on. This desk is 1200 x 750 mm wide with a luxurious walnut table top sustainably sourced from Vietnam. 750 mm width is plenty of room to fit all my peripherals on without it feeling cluttered, and if you're like me, having a clear workspace results in having a clear mind.

As soon as I picked the table top up when I was assembling, I immediately knew this was a premium slab of timber. I opted for the walnut finish to match the aesthetics of the other elements fitted in my studio such as the shelves. One of the things I absolutely love about this desk is this stability when at max height. With my previous desk, when typing or writing in my journal, the whole desk would wobble and completely freak me out.

Weight Lifting Capacity

I was scared that those legs were gonna give in and completely collapse along with my PC components. This desk can hold a hefty 140 kilos...yes 140. That means...yes you could sleep on this desk if you really wanted to. 140 kilos is plenty of leeway to hold your PC, a monitor or two, your peripherals and everything in between. The reasoning for the hefty weight load is thanks to the dual motor lifting system in conjunction with the heavy-duty solid frame. The legs are robust and are designed to have 3 stages for the various adjustable heights, which leads me into my next favourite thing about this desk, the height range.

Height Range

Being 6'3'' can be challenging at times when you're shopping for ergonomic equipment. The height range of the Desky can go from a minimum height of 60cm to a max of 125cm so there is plenty of adjustable heights that can accommodate various sitting positions. The adjustable heights are controlled from this responsive hand controller. On the controller, there are a total of 7 buttons with 4 being custom presets for your saved heights. This is great if you're sharing a desk with your partner or colleague. The left 2 buttons control the height along with an LCD screen showing you what the height is at currently. On the right side of the controller you will also find a USB port to charge your accessories. I use this port to charge my phone.

Cable Management System

If you're like me, the cable management section is what I dreaded the most and is probably the least fun when building your desk setup, until now. Desky designed a cable management system that they call their cable and power channel. This channel completely changes the game when it comes to cable management. Here was my setup without this channel and the before...yeah...big difference!

As a full time content creator, you could imagine that there'd be endless amount of cables taking over the desktop. So having a channel like this truly changes the game. Easy to install and extremely functional especially if you're constantly adding new tech to your setup.

Collision Detection

The Desky has a range of unique features which truly elevates it to make it a premium product. Having anti collision detection integrated is definitely one of the key features that I love and didn't know I needed until now. This protects your gear from colliding with objects such as your monitor, in my case hitting the shelves. Another thing I was surprised at when adjusting between the heights, is how silent the motors are - like extremely silent.

The Desky Pro Plus Ergonomic Chair

The other thing I did have to consider was my ergonomics and hunting for an ergonomic chair. Desky sent over their Pro Plus ergonomic chair for me to test and try out.

As I've mentioned before, being 6'3", shopping for ergonomic equipment can be challenging. This chair has been phenomenal, helping boost productivity while also supporting my back and posture. This chair feels like it has unlimited functionalities that you can adjust to your personal preference and taste. Not only is this chair functional but the aesthetics look like this chair came straight out of Star Wars.

Desky definitely designed this chair with the consumer in mind. This chair comes with height adjustable arms, back and headrest, which allows you to make the chair your own. Oh and also this chair was built off of 100% recyclable materials, which means if you're environmentally conscious like I am, I'm already sold.

So there's one main component of what makes my setup ergonomically friendly and my back is thanking me for it. If you've made it this far, thank you so much for watching. I hope this video has helped you make a decision on whether or not a sit stand desk is right for you.

Check out Corey Crawford’s Youtube Channel.

Corey's Walnut Hardwood Desk Dual Setup:

• 1200 mm x 750 mm
• Walnut finish table top - premium quality
• 140 kilo max. weight lifting capacity
• Min 60 kilo to max 125 kilo weight capacity
• Cable management system
• Anti Collision detection feature
• Silent motor feature on height adjustments
• Perfectly paired with Pro Plus Ergonomic Chair

Walnut is a traditional choice and is commonly used in boardroom or ceremonial furniture. So, if you want a more classic look, walnut's smooth, high gloss, warm brown, luxurious finish will do the trick. It's usually seen in conventional, darker interiors, but it also makes a great contrast to a modern workplace setup. Our solid hardwood desktops also come in Pheasantwood, White Oak, Red Oak, White Ash and Teak.

The Desky Dual Hardwood Sit Stand Desk is a must-buy investment because of the variety of hardwood desktops available. The Desky Pro Plus Ergonomic Chair has a slick black frame, charcoal mesh back, and a black powder-coated aluminium base. A sturdy headrest is also available in white to complete this easy ergonomic upgrade.

This combination makes the perfect work from home setup. Its quality and durability is also backed by a ten-year warranty, ensuring you years of comfortable and healthy sitting. Take a look at Desky’s full range of sit stand desks today.

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/corey-crawford-standing-desk-review

Is A Standing Desk Good For Back Pain?

Working all day can be a pain, especially for your back. Studies show that constant sitting is bad for your posture and health. Continuous sitting with no breaks increases your risk of health problems and developing back and neck pain. But what can you do when you’re meant to sit at a desk each day for work?

A standing desk may be the solution to poor posture and back pain. It is a great tool to help the average nine-to-five employee avoid living a sedentary lifestyle. You can adjust your height adjustable desk to cater to most heights. Your chair, monitor, and desk height should allow you to stand with good posture and no discomfort. You should be able to type on your keyboard without hurting your shoulders or hunching over to see your computer screen

To get the most out of your standing desk, you should alternate between sitting and standing. Too much of either can worsen back pain.

Do Standing Desks Help Back Pain?

Most of us spend much of our workdays sitting at a desk for several hours at a time. Constant sitting is associated with poor posture, poor health, and back pain. Standing more can alleviate back pain and help improve your posture. 

A standing desk allows you to stay productive and keep pressure off your lower back. You can adjust them to the appropriate height that is comfortable for you and keeps you from slouching. 

There are several types of standing desks, including:

• Manually adjustable 

• Electronically adjustable 

• Static-standing 

Our electric standing desks here at Desky offer ergonomic as well as aesthetic office solutions for those looking to stand and sit throughout office hours.

The ergonomic height options help ensure a comfortable work experience. Investing in ergonomic tools for your health increases efficiency and comfort, not to mention saves you money on medical bills in the long run. 

The Desky Single Sit Stand Pedestal Desk is electronically-adjustable. Desky’s Zero Pedestal Stand Up Desk is manually adjustable—you can adjust the height with a simple tap of its foot pedal.

Standing desk converters are also available to boost your keyboard, laptop, and monitors up to standing height. Desky’s Zero Sit Stand Desk Converter has a height range of 160 to 445mm and is adjustable via an attached lever. 

As for static standing desks, these sit at a fixed height. You cannot adjust them, and if you can, you can only tweak them a few inches. Static standing desks may not be an appropriate height for many adults. This type of desk is usually the cheapest option compared to other standing desks. 

Is Standing or Sitting Better for Your Back?

Standing and sitting have both benefits and risks for your back. Alternating between standing and sitting is the best choice. Several studies have proven the significance and benefit of standing more than sitting. However, you do not have to stand all day—you can alternate between sitting and standing. 

Constant standing or standing incorrectly can result in more harm than good. The natural curve of your spine can cause joints to be closer together and increase inflammation while standing instead of sitting. A healthy mix of both is the key to muscle and skeletal health. 

Does Standing Help Strengthen Your Back? 

Standing can help strengthen your back. By incorporating standing into your office hours, you'll be able to stretch and strengthen your back and leg muscles regularly. 

For this reason, a standing desk is a great option to try to improve muscle strength during your workday. Good posture and shoulder positioning are imperative to not injuring yourself and strengthening the back muscles. If you’re slumped over at your desk, you’re probably going to do more harm than good.

Standing also burns more calories per hour than sitting and keeps your muscles from getting too tight over time. Using a standing desk is also associated with healthier habits like taking breaks to move around. If you’re taking more breaks and interacting with your environment, you can improve your balance and factors associated with heart health. 

Good posture can lead to reduced back pain, easier breathing, and optimal digestion. When you have good posture, your muscles properly support your spine. 

You can combine a sit stand desk with a treadmill, exercise bike, or exercise ball for an even more active work environment. 

Is Standing Better Than Sitting for Lower Back Pain? 

Standing is better than sitting for lower back pain, as long as you alternate both standing and sitting. Although standing is generally easier on your back than excessive sitting, it is necessary to strike a healthy balance between the two. An adjustable standing desk allows you to alternate between sitting and standing. Lower your desk and use a comfortable desk chair when you’re tired, and stand up in the morning when you have more energy.  

Can Sitting At a Desk Cause Lower Back Pain?

Yes, sitting at a desk can cause lower back pain. A sedentary activity like sitting for long periods puts excessive pressure on your lower back discs and can lead to back pain. You can develop pinched nerves, stiff muscles, and lower back pain. 

Taking breaks to move your body and alternating between sitting and standing can reduce neck pain and lower back pain.

Is Standing Bad for Lower Back Pain?

Standing for extended periods and standing incorrectly are bad for lower back pain. Standing incorrectly usually refers to standing with poor posture, which results in an unnatural curve of your spine and pressure on your back. Standing for too long can also result in foot pain.

Symptoms of poor posture include back pain, rounded shoulders, and a protruding stomach. If you are already experiencing lower back pain, standing for too long or incorrectly could worsen joint inflammation. 

Experts recommend that you should stand for at least two hours a day. It is even better to aim for four hours. 

How Do I Stop My Standing Desk From Hurting My Back?

To stop your standing desk from hurting your back, make sure you are sitting and standing for short periods throughout your work day. Stop immediately if you are experiencing any pain from standing.

If you are using a standing desk and are experiencing back pain, you are likely either not using it correctly or are standing for too long at a time. To benefit from a standing desk, you must also adjust it to the appropriate level to match your height. Most standing desks are adjustable.   

When you switch to a sit-stand desk, you should not immediately go from always sitting to always standing. If you jump into constant standing, you could worsen your back pain. The best route is gradually standing more and constantly alternating. 

Experts recommend a practice known as active or dynamic sitting. Dynamic sitting involves moving around throughout the workday. The idea is to keep yourself occupied with physical activity, such as standing up, walking around, and even something as simple as switching your sitting position. 

However, if you are standing incorrectly, it can do more harm to your body than good. You can reduce back pain by practicing good posture by standing straight with your shoulders relaxed and back. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart, with your weight mainly on the balls of your feet. Practicing good posture isn't always easy, as we tend to slouch when we are tired or have been in the same position for too long.  

Other Perks of Using a Standing Desk

Several studies prove that a sit-stand desk offers various health benefits, including a lowered risk of heart disease, weight gain, Type 2 Diabetes, and premature death. 

According to a Journal of Physical Activity and Health study, using a standing desk burns more calories than sitting down while working. In addition, walking for thirty minutes could burn about 100 extra calories. If you don’t have time to step away, you could purchase a treadmill to get some steps in while you work at your standing desk. 

Standing helps you avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Living a sedentary lifestyle has increased the risk of mental health issues like depression. 

Alternatives for a Standing Desk 

If you want a standing desk but can’t get one because of specific health issues, a small workplace, or your budget, some ergonomic accessories can be helpful in the meantime when it comes to improving workplace ergonomics.

You could try using a monitor riser, a laptop stand, a portable sit-stand desk converter, or a mounted shelf to raise your monitor screen to eye level. These accessories help keep your spine neutral and prevent back and neck strain. 

A mounted shelf is an easy solution for the average handyman. Setup for a mounted rack should take about a half-hour. Be sure to use heavy-duty brackets that can support the weight of your computer and other desk items. 

A laptop stand is one of the cheapest accessories for workplace ergonomics and is portable and convenient for small workspaces. You will need a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse once your laptop height has been raised. Laptop stands raise your screen to a height that prevents you from straining your neck, thus promoting better posture. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Still on the fence about purchasing a standing desk? Read on for frequently asked questions. 

Does standing help with weight loss?

Yes, standing can help with weight loss. Standing burns more calories than sitting and is associated with weight loss. Your energy expenditure while standing and walking around throughout the workday will be higher than when you are sitting all day.

Why do my feet hurt after using my standing desk? 

Your feet may hurt after using your standing desk because you are wearing uncomfortable shoes or standing for too long. You should wear comfortable, supportive footwear and alternate between sitting and standing. 

I got a standing desk, but my back still hurts. Am I using it wrong?

If you are experiencing new or worsening back pain after using a standing desk, you may be standing incorrectly or for too long at a time. You also may have your desk height set too high or too low. 

Excessive sitting is linked to poor posture and lower back pain. However, standing for too long can also put too much pressure on your back. You should slowly ease into increased time standing when you first start with a standing desk. You should also always alternate between sitting and standing to avoid too much pressure on your lower back.

Check to see if your desk height is adjusted to the appropriate height.  

Are there measures I can take to reduce lower back pain before I invest in a standing desk?

Work on your posture. Poor posture will cause back pain whether you are sitting or standing. You should also be taking breaks to move around throughout the workday.

What are some other benefits of using a standing desk? 

The benefits of using a standing desk are increased productivity and alertness throughout the workday. It also promotes movement and taking healthy breaks. 

What are the risks associated with using a standing desk? 

Although standing throughout the day is healthy, excessive standing has its own risks. It can cause back and foot pain and muscle strain. Balance is key. 

Should You Use a Standing Desk All Day? 

No, you should not use your standing desk all day. Instead, you should alternate between sitting and standing. Although sit-stand desks have several health benefits, too much of one thing is never healthy.

You should not stand all day, just as you should not sit all day. The key to reducing back pain and improving your overall health is alternating between sitting and standing throughout the workday. You should start by standing for about thirty to sixty minutes a day. Over time, you can gradually increase it. 

Sitting for prolonged periods can lead to several different health problems. It can leave you at higher risk of health problems and long-term muscle strain or pain. A sedentary lifestyle is linked to cardiovascular disease, weight gain, and high blood pressure. Standing for prolonged periods can cause leg and foot pain caused by pressure on your knees and hips.

Be sure that you are sitting and standing with proper posture. If you are slouching, you can put pressure on your discs and worsen back pain. 

To get the most out of your standing desk, make sure it is appropriate for your height. Your desk, chair, and monitor should all be at the correct levels to ensure proper posture and a comfortable work environment. 

Desky’s desk height calculator helps you choose the ideal height range for your desk, chair, and monitor for when you are sitting or standing. The appropriate chair height will allow your thighs and feet to be parallel to the floor. Your desk should be low enough that your elbows and underarms can lie straight on the table.

Once you're sitting and standing ergonomically throughout your work day, you'll be strengthening back muscles daily and eventually reducing your chronic back pain. Ready to purchase your new standing desk? Try Desky's range of sit stand desks designed to help you bring activity into your office.

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/stand-desk-good-for-back-pain

Do Standing Desks Cause Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins, similar to spider veins, are enlarged, ropey veins that commonly appear on the legs. When there is pressure on your legs for long periods, this causes decreased blood flow resulting in varicose veins. Both sitting or standing for prolonged periods puts you at an increased risk.

When working at a desk all day, opt for a height adjustable standing desk. Although prolonged standing can increase your risk of spider veins, there are benefits to standing desks. Many versions of standing desks are adjustable, so you can ensure that you are comfortable while you work. Some studies even show that a standing desk may result in higher productivity. 

Although switching from sitting to standing isn't as beneficial for weight loss as exercise, it can still give you a boost. If you sit all day long, you won't burn many calories. Standing can also reduce risks of diabetes heart disease and reduce back pain. Some participants who used standing desks even said that their back pain was reduced in as little as two weeks. 

Standing desks can also improve mood and energy levels at work. Work usually isn't the most exciting thing to spend your time with. However, by standing more during the day, studies have shown that utilizing a standing desk has experienced less stress and fatigue when compared to those who sat at their desk.

So, although both sitting and standing at a desk all day can increase the risk of varicose veins, you may experience many more benefits when standing. If you do opt for a standing desk, it is essential to take breaks throughout the day to sit and give your legs some rest. 

You may also get in a quick workout while standing at your desk. This can allow blood flow throughout your entire body while you're at work. Some standing desk exercises include: 

• Gluteal squeeze: Contract butt muscles for 3 seconds and release

• Calf raises: Gently stand on your toes and contract your calf muscles. Hold for 3 seconds, and release. 

• Hamstring curls: Lift one foot backward toward your back and hold for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other leg.

• Side lunges: Shift your weight to one side of your body while bending your leg on the same side. Repeat on the other leg.

• March in place: Bring each leg up to your hip as you stand by your desk. 

• Squats: Contract your glutes as you bend your knees and lower your body. Keep your knees behind your toes.

When doing any of the above exercises, make sure to tighten your core to ensure you have good posture. Stretching your legs throughout the day can also help increase blood flow when using both standing desks and sitting desks. 

Standing desk stretches include:

• Leaning over and touching your toes or shins

• Alternate lifting each leg up to your chest and hold

• Place one foot on the other knee and slowly lower your hips. Alternate on each leg.

Standing desks can still be a risk for spider veins, even if you do the above exercises and stretches. Most experts agree that alternating positions throughout the day are the best option for preventing varicose veins. If you're standing at your workplace, be sure to have a chair nearby where you can take little breaks to sit. Do this at least a couple of times per hour, even if you can only do so for a few minutes. 

Standing desks also allow you to alternate between standing and sitting, making them an excellent choice.

Does Standing At Work Cause Varicose Veins?

Standing for too long can cause the veins in your leg to overwork, causing blood to pool in your legs. Occupations that require you to stand for prolonged periods can add a lot of pressure on your legs. When this pressure increases in the veins, blood valves can weaken, which may put you at risk of getting varicose veins.

If you already have spider veins, continuing this routine may cause them to worsen. You may experience leg pain, heaviness in your legs, burning sensations, or feeling discomfort that you can only alleviate with movement or changing leg positions. 

In jobs where you are on your feet all day, do your best to alternate between standing and sitting as much as you can. Take some time to sit down, stretch, or do simple leg workouts throughout the day. By keeping your legs moving, even by sitting throughout the day, your legs will receive plenty of blood flow. 

Additionally, the type of shoes you wear at your standing desk may play a role. There are shoe options that relieve pressure from certain parts of your feet, creating less stress on your legs. High heels may look attractive and professional but can create quite a bit of discomfort throughout the day. You may also invest in a supportive anti-fatigue mat to stand on for further relief. 

At the end of your day at work, relax by elevating your legs. This changes the position that your legs have been in all day, causing blood to flow in the opposite direction. The more blood flow you can get through your legs, the better. It is also beneficial to work out, even if it is just five or 10-minute sessions throughout the day. In fact, some studies show that it is more helpful to work out periodically throughout the day rather than one extended period of exercise. 

Is Standing or Sitting Worse for Varicose Veins?

Damaged leg veins cause varicose veins. Veins push blood through one direction through valves, which causes blood to pool when there isn't plenty of circulation from exercise. Unfortunately, there may be other variables in addition to sitting and standing that could be risk factors for varicose veins.  

There are many reasons you may experience spider veins. 40% of men and 70% of women will have varicose veins by the age of 60. Genetics also play a role, so if one of your parents had varicose veins, there's a better chance you will too. 

Weight gain can also cause varicose veins. Whether you're overweight, obese, or are pregnant may all pose a risk. Blood valves in your veins work hard to overcome gravity and cycle blood through your body. With any type of weight gain, this adds additional work to keep blood flowing through your veins, putting you at an increased risk. 

Neither sitting nor standing alone is the cause of varicose veins. In addition to the risk factors mentioned above, it's more about long periods with no movement. Sitting for prolonged periods causes the same risk factors as standing all day does. 

Does Sitting Help Varicose Veins?

Sitting all day not only poses a threat to vein health, but it can be damaging to your overall health. In fact, the damage to your health that prolonged sitting is compared to smoking. 

When you work at a job where you sit all day, your body isn't getting exercise very much. Even if you spend all day sitting for work, go home and work out, it may not make a difference in getting varicose veins. Even if you get some blood flow back into your legs at the end of the day, there is still a period of time when your legs are in rest mode. 

During the periods of time where you sit, your veins have to work extra hard to circulate blood to your heart. When blood pooling occurs due to low circulation, you may experience ankle swelling, varicose veins, and even blood clots.

The position you sit in also plays a role in vein health and overall health. When sitting with your legs crossed or bent all day, the twists and turns make it even more challenging for your blood to flow through. Not only does this add increased risk to varicose veins, but it may also increase blood pressure and result in poor posture. 

Can Sitting Down Too Much Cause Varicose Veins?

Sitting for prolonged periods can cause varicose veins and make symptoms even worse. If you already have varicose veins, you likely experience some form of discomfort already. By continuing to sit all day, you may cause worsened symptoms. 

Though varicose veins are often thought of as a cosmetic problem, there are also medical issues that come along with these unsightly veins. Many people with varicose veins experience achy or tired legs. While it may start out as somewhat uncomfortable and not something you want to look at, it may become serious over time. Luckily, there are treatment options if you have varicose veins. 

As previously mentioned, take time to stand up throughout the day. Ideally, you should stand every 30 minutes to an hour, and even more if possible. If you work at a job that requires you to sit all day, this doesn't mean you are doomed to have varicose veins. 

While at your desk, you may try peddling your feet as if you are splashing your toes in the water. Make a point to stretch your ankles and legs throughout the day. Stretching is an important exercise that increases blood flow amongst other health benefits. When you stretch, you increase blood flow and strengthen the muscles that support your veins. 

Elevating your legs multiple times a day for 15 minute periods can also assist blood circulation. Be sure to raise your feet above your heart level to allow blood to avoid fighting against gravity. Raising your legs can also relieve some discomfort from ankle swelling, which is a common symptom of spider veins. 

How Do You Prevent Varicose Veins When Standing All Day?

All superficial veins can become varicose, but legs are typically the body part you will see these purple veins more often than not. Because standing all day makes it challenging for blood to flow back up the leg, this can cause pressure on your veins, causing damage. 

Although there is no foolproof method to prevent varicose veins completely, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your risk. Any prevention methods can also be beneficial if you already have varicose veins and want to keep them from getting worse.

If your occupation requires prolonged periods of sitting or standing, you must set aside some time to alternate positions. When sitting, get up and walk around a few times each hour. Alternatively, if you stand all day, take some time to give your legs some rest. 

When sitting all day, walking around and stretching can strengthen the muscles supporting your veins. Even if your only option is to walk in place, it is better than continuing to sit. It may be helpful for some people to have a fitness band. You will be shocked at how few steps you're actually taking per day. Keep track of your steps, set step goals, and keep your legs moving. 

Aside from alternating your leg positions throughout the day, it is vital to stay healthy overall. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, whether you are working or not. Some people benefit by purchasing large water bottles with ounces marked alongside the bottle. Healthy diet habits can also help prevent varicose veins. Reduce salty foods that can cause you to retain water in your body, creating pressure in your veins. Add plenty of color to your plate of food. Specifically, choose fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, strawberries, broccoli, and eggplant, which can help reduce inflammation. 

Whether you sit or stand all day, putting your feet up above your heart level at the end of the day can help with blood circulation. Elevate your legs for around 15 minutes per day. In addition to reducing the risk of varicose veins, this may also reduce any symptoms associated with them. 

If you are overweight, losing weight can also help reduce your risk of getting varicose veins. By doing many of the methods mentioned above, such as eating healthy foods and adding in exercise, you will likely lose weight naturally. Not only will the addition of nutritious foods and movement reduce your risk, but weight loss will put less pressure on your legs overall.

Interested in alternating standing and sitting during your work day in order to prevent varicose veins? Take a look at Desky's full range of standing desks and get started on reducing your risk!

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/do-standing-desks-cause-varicose-veins

Is It Better To Work Standing or Sitting?

If you have a desk job, you might be wondering about the supposed benefits of standing desks. There are plenty of health risks from prolonged sitting, but if you’re an active person, regularly take the stairs, and even walk around the office on your coffee breaks, you might think a standing desk isn’t worth the trouble. 

After all, working on your feet all day every day can bring about a whole new crop of health risks. So, which is a better way to work – standing or sitting?

Is It Healthier to Work at a Standing Desk?

Several studies show that standing at a height adjustable desk reduces the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, which can boost health benefits. However, prolonged standing can come with issues of its own. 

Working in the same position for a long time can lead to poor blood circulation and other ill effects. Because of this, many office workers combat prolonged sitting by doing exercises throughout the day. Even some small physical activity every half hour can help protect against poor health or even premature death.

Even so, some people believe moving from a regular desk to a sit-stand workstation is not necessary. If they can increase their physical activity throughout the day, they believe this is enough to stave off poor health.

Regular exercise helps keep a person healthy, but it can be hard to do when you’re at work for eight hours a day. If you have an office job, regular exercise is even harder to accomplish because you are sitting behind a desk for hours at a time. 

Sitting reduces your muscle activity, giving you an increased risk of low blood circulation, leading to high blood pressure and heart disease. 

Seated exercises can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle, but they aren’t enough by themselves. That’s where standing at work can help you.

Standing at work forces your body to be constantly alert. Most people find standing for six hours a day exhausting because it uses a lot of stamina. Jobs that typically include a lot of standing around, such as retail jobs, often utilize anti-fatigue mats that help reduce foot and back pain so you can stand for long periods. 

Though prolonged standing can be difficult to endure, standing at work has many positive health implications and can encourage a healthy lifestyle. 

Is Sitting Behind Your Desk Bad for Your Health?

Using a standing desk for long periods can reduce health problems, help burn more calories, and even encourage good posture. In contrast, prolonged sitting can increase certain health problems, such as weight gain, high blood sugar, neck pain. It can even lead to heart disease. 

Sitting without moving for hours at a time causes everything in your body to slow down. You’ll burn less energy, and there’s less for your body to do. Your blood flows slower because your muscles aren’t working as hard. As a consequence, you don’t need as much oxygen. 

Your muscles begin to relax, which can pull you into a position where you don’t use them at all, resulting in bad posture. The longer you go without using your muscles, the weaker they become. 

When you stand up, you will have a harder time standing with good posture, as you have become used to a slouching position, and your muscles are no longer strong enough to pull you back into proper shape. 

In contrast, standing for a long time uses up a good deal of stamina. Instead of your muscles consistently doing less, they are consistently working harder to keep you upright. Having your muscles engaged increases your blood flow.

Because standing for long periods uses your muscles much more than sitting, there is more energy expenditure with standing at work. After hours of constant standing, your muscles will start to fatigue, using up more energy and helping you to burn calories. 

Though it can be tough to do, standing versus sitting at work helps combat a sedentary lifestyle and can be a healthier option.

Why is Standing at Your Desk Better than Sitting?

As noted above, standing instead of sitting can help increase blood circulation and prevent your muscles from weakening. But, is it distracting? Will standing all day negatively impact your productivity? 

In a study involving elementary school children, the use of standing desks did not inhibit their ability to learn or perform. This study indicates that standing desks do not negatively affect productivity. 

Though elementary children are often full of energy and like to fidget, using standing desks did not take away from their learning experience. This finding could suggest that a non-sedentary learning process works just as well as a sedentary learning process. Therefore, you can learn and concentrate on your feet equally as well as if you were sitting down.

Another study found that using a sit-stand desk can increase productivity. Workers who use standing vs sitting desks can have as much as a 45% increase in their overall daily performance. 

When you are consistently coming to work to sit all day, your mind and body fall into a habit of sedentary tendencies. Not only does your body stop moving, but so does your brain. 

Your blood is flowing slower throughout your body because you aren’t moving, bringing less oxygen to your muscles – and your mind. If you’re standing, your blood flows faster, giving more oxygen to your brain and helping you think. 

When you have an easier time concentrating, you can increase your productivity and get more done.

In a third instance, a study involving high school students showed increased focus and memory in students who used a standing desk. This finding supports the idea that standing increases blood flow to your brain to help you think and concentrate. When you’re standing, you tend to be more alert and therefore more ready to absorb new information or ready to focus on a particular task.

A release from Harvard Health Publishing also suggests that focus might increase with a standing desk, as standing can reduce back or neck pain. This lack of pain allows a person to focus more intently on the task at hand.

Do You Think Better Sitting or Standing?

Research suggests that people can think better when standing vs sitting. Increased blood circulation can help boost cognitive processes, helping you to concentrate on your work. The simple task of standing instead of sitting can increase your blood circulation without you needing to increase your heart rate by exercising or other strenuous activity. 

Increased focus and memory can in turn lead to an increase in productivity and performance. You can think better and concentrate more on the tasks in front of you, and even learn at the same rate as if you were sitting down. Standing has the tendency to engage your brain, making it less likely that your mind will wander. 

Similarly, if you have fewer distractions, such as pain, you will be able to focus better on your work. Prolonged sitting can increase pain in people who have desk jobs, making it more difficult to concentrate. Standing versus sitting can help alleviate pain, allowing you to concentrate and think better. 

While it is possible to become distracted while standing and lose focus, it remains that standing gives you an advantage over sitting for concentration and overall thinking. 

Is it Better to Sit or Stand at a Desk?

Studies from Harvard Medical School show that while standing cannot stave off weight gain, it can combat certain health effects such as shoulder or back pain. However, though studies  – including Harvard Health – suggest that sit-stand desks can decrease distractions and increase productivity, there are still health risks that can occur when standing for six hours or more. 

Benefits and Risks of Sitting at a Standing Desk

Even if you have a standing desk, there are both benefits and risks to sitting at one.

The benefits of sitting for extended periods include:

• More core strength

• Less back and foot pain

If standing even for a short time gives you back or foot pain, sitting down can help to alleviate the stress put on your body. Because standing for long periods also results in energy expenditure, you can get very fatigued from standing for hours at a time. Sitting can help you to regain your lost energy, allowing you to rest and recover. 

Sitting with the correct posture can also help improve your core strength, especially if you sit on the floor or use an exercise ball. 

The risks of prolonged sitting include:

• Stiff muscles and joints

• Loss of flexibility

• Weight gain

• Increased risk of heart issues

As mentioned above, sitting for long periods can increase the risk of heart issues. Your blood circulation slows down, your blood pressure rises, and you risk the increased possibility of heart disease or heart attacks. 

However, being sedentary can also result in increased stiffness, as your muscles work less and don’t have as much demand. Increased stiffness will also contribute to a loss of flexibility, and both these things together will limit your ability to enjoy certain pastimes such as physical activity. You might also find that you start to have mobility issues.

Sitting down will also result in a slower metabolism, meaning you’ll need less fuel to fit your energy levels. If you are used to eating more food, you will still eat the same amount you needed when you were more active and energetic. However, because you are no longer working hard, these extra calories turn into fat for storage. Getting an office job that requires a stationary routine will likely result in increased weight.

Benefits and Risks of Standing at a Standing Desk

Standing for six hours or more a day can provide both benefits and risks to your health. It’s important to understand both, so you can make a more informed decision about what’s right for your needs.

The benefits of standing for long periods include:

• Better blood circulation

• Reduced back pain

• More productivity

As you can imagine, standing up uses more energy than sitting. You’ll have an increased blood flow, lowering your blood sugar and pressure, and helping you to avoid such issues as heart attacks and diabetes. 

It can also help sharpen your focus so you get more done, improving your overall performance.

For some people, standing can even improve back pain, as it can help improve posture and realign your shoulders properly. 

However, standing for long periods can also bring about less ideal health implications, and even risks.

These risks of standing for long periods include:

• Varicose veins

• Strained foot ligaments

• Back pain

Varicose veins can come from either sitting or standing too long. They can come about from increased blood pressure, which can occur in your legs from too much standing. Alternatively, standing for hours on end can put pressure on your veins, resulting in blood pooling that contributes to varicose veins. Resting your legs and elevating your feet can help prevent this issue.

Some people also experience strained ligaments in their feet or back pain from standing. These issues come about from too much standing, where your body comes under strain from constantly trying to keep you upright. Just like any exercise, if you do it too much you can fatigue your muscles and ligaments and risk straining or tearing them. 

Because both sitting and standing for prolonged periods can carry health risks, it’s better to work both into your daily routine. Getting a sit-stand desk can allow you to add more movement into your schedule so you don’t have to go through the entire day in the same position while giving you the option to sit down and rest when you’re feeling fatigued. 

Are Standing Desks Really Better?

Standing desks provide an opportunity for a healthier lifestyle at work. Splitting your time between sitting and standing can prevent a sedentary existence and help you avoid health problems like heart disease or high blood pressure. Having a standing desk makes it easy to switch between sitting and standing, so you can live healthier even with a desk job. Take a look at Desky's range of sit stand desks and start getting some activity into your work day!

source https://desky.com.au/blogs/news/is-it-better-to-work-standing-or-sitting