It has long been recognised that sitting down for lengthy periods of time can negatively affect our health. Reaching back to the 1950s, researchers questioned why bus drivers were twice as likely to have heart attacks compared to their bus conductor colleagues. It was revealed that sitting down for prolonged periods of time was the link. The drivers sat for 90% of their working day whilst the conductors climbed around 600 stairs whilst on the job.
Since then, an increasing amount of evidence has been reported that we should all sit less and stand more as research has found a correlation in sitting for long periods of time and health concerns such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Additional studies have found that standing all day is also not the answer and could cause issues such as back pain. The most notable finding is the switch between sitting and standing throughout the day that have the most benefits.
We could all do with introducing some healthier habits into our daily routine. With more people than ever working from home in a new way of working, perhaps it’s time to invest in your home office set up. Small changes in your day-to-day life can make the biggest difference specifically to your health, like making sure you switch between sitting and standing throughout the day whilst at your desk.
The following points are ways a sit stand desk can benefit you and your health
1. Increased focus and motivation
When sitting in the same position for hours on end, it’s easy to lose focus and motivation on what you’re doing. By switching your position between sitting and standing, you’ll find yourself more productive and able to concentrate better. This is because when standing the body’s muscles are working, which in turn increases blood flow to the brain enabling an increase in focus and creativity. It’s been said that this can increase productivity by 10-20%!
2. Improves posture
Sitting in the same position for long periods of time can lead to strain on your neck, herniated discs, and degeneration of muscles, specifically in the lower back. By making sure users switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, this can help promote a healthy posture.
3. Lowers risk of heart disease
There are reports that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, a huge factor to improve that risk is increased movement. By switching between sitting and standing throughout the day, by using a height adjustable desk, this can lower this risk and aide in circulation and mobility.
4. Reduces back pain
A study that has carried out research into the effects of using a height adjustable desk in the workplace has found that 47% of people using a height adjustable desk reported a significant decrease in upper back, shoulder, and neck discomfort. It’s known that sitting down in the same position all day will lead to discomfort and back pain so it’s important to switch your position throughout the day.
5. Improves energy and wellbeing
It’s not just physical benefits you can gain from a height adjustable desk, a study has found that users who were able to stand throughout their working day experienced less stress and fatigue and 87% stated they felt more energetic overall. In addition, when they returned to using seated desks, it was noted that their moods dropped, and their energy levels returned to how they felt prior to the study.
As we’ve discovered, sitting all day isn’t good for your health, however it’s important to note that neither is standing all day. Research shows that the way to really improve your health is the consistent but regular switch between sitting and standing. It’s the movement between alternating between the two throughout the day that leaves a lasting effect on our health.
If you are interested in an electrically height adjustable workstation, MT Millar offer A-frame height adjustable desks in a range of colours and materials to suit your interior design. Get in touch with us today!