Many people who decide to switch to a standing desk jump in head first and end up regretting their decision. There is a right way and a wrong way to make the switch to standing more, so consider these tips to ensure you have the best experience.
Start with an Adjustable Desk
The ideal way to add more standing (and more movement) into your day is with an adjustable height desk like Evodesk. Having the ability to easily switch from sitting to standing and vice versa at the push of a button will do wonders for your standing experience. Evodesk even has a standing desk hybrid called the XE that fits on your existing desk, turning your standard desk into an adjustable height desk. Whether you’re in the middle of a game or focused on a task at work, Evodesk makes switching your desk’s position completely effortless.
Keep Moving
While standing is good for you, too much of a good thing can be bad. It’s not just about standing all day, it’s about adding movement into your day. When you stand, you should keep moving. Switch your feet positions, try a footstool to give you feet a break, or even consider desk stairs or treadmills. Standing with no movement for long periods of time can lead to back pain and fatigue. It’s better to alternate between sitting and standing, and not just remain in one position all day.
Listen to Your Body
If you begin to feel uncomfortable while you stand, you should sit. It’s that simple. Particularly when you first switch to standing, you might experience some soreness from muscles that aren’t typically used while sitting. This is normal, and usually goes away once your body adjusts to standing more. It’s best to ease into longer periods of standing by alternating between sitting and standing.
20/8/2 Rule
A useful guideline for determining when and for how long you should stand is the 20/8/2 rule. This means that every 30 minutes, you sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8, and get up and move for 2. This will help ease you into a routine of standing more without getting tired or feeling sore. A good old fashioned phone alarm works great for reminding you when it’s time to transition between positions.
Comfort is Key
Whether you’re a seasoned standing pro or a newbie, comfort is key. If you’re not comfortable while standing, you’re likely to quickly fizzle out. The key to staying comfortable is proper shoes, an ergonomic mat, and even some types of chairs.
Shoes: Choose shoes that are supportive and comfortable. If you need to wear heels at work, it might be a good idea to keep a pair of flat-footed shoes at your desk to change into when you stand.
Mat: Ergonomic mats are both supportive and comfortable. Evodesk’s anti-fatigue mats provide the perfect amount of stability and cushion, and are available in several color options.
Chair: Of course you want a comfortable chair to sit in, but you could also try a leaning chair to help take some of the weight off your feet and joints, or just be a really cool conversation starter.
Pay Attention to Ergonomics
Having your desk positioned correctly is crucial to both sitting and standing comfortably. Your arms should be at a comfortable 90-degree angle, and your monitor should be level with your eyes. If you have to look up or down, you could suffer from a sore neck or back. Improper keyboard placement could cause your wrists and arms to ache. Evodesk has several accessories to help you ensure your set up is ideally positioned.
Breaking up long periods of sitting is great for productivity, mental clarity, and your overall health. The best way to set yourself up for standing success is with an power adjustable height desk like Evodesk. Build your desk today and take a stand for your health.
