How often do you actually stand at work? Do you own a standing desk?

Questions, every person that regularly sits in front of a computer should ask themselves by now. With work-from-home culture rising in the past years, back issues and unhealthy postures have increased drastically due to uncomfortable (or maybe too comfortable) working positions. I’ve even heard theories about: “Sitting is the new smoking”… Something we might not feel while we are still young, but thinking forward it has a point.

I love standing while I work because it gives me a clearer focus, more energy and vitality. Knowing that I do something great for my back and my posture made me order this height adjustable desk.

The Finnish contemporary interior design brand SELKA  offers height-adjustable (movable) desks as well as ergonomic chairs and work accessories in nordic contemporary design for an optimal and flexible work space.

I spoke to the (also) Finnish Dr. Anna Erat, a Harvard trained Doctor and Medical Director of Hirslanden Clinic’s Check-Up Center for Preventive Medicine in Switzerland.

“Some studies show that more calories are burned standing than sitting, which clerarly can make a difference long-term over the year.

Standing desks seem to help ease back pain. Back pain is a very common problem that people doing office work face. Particularly during the COVID-Pandemic, we saw a n signigicant increase in lower back pain due to home office and back-to-back video conferences. Sitting for long periods of time tightens your muscles and can hurt your lower back, especially if you have bad posture.” Dr. Erat says.

“Another interesting observation is that standing seems to make people more productive: In a study of call center employees, persons with standing desks were 45% more productive than employees who sat during their shift.” she adds.

So here are the main health benefits from standing (more than you sit) at work:

• You burn calories, and gain less weight
• It lowers stress levels and improves mood
• You feel more vital, flexible and productive
• It reduces back, shoulder and neck pain
• It reduces headaches
• It increases lung capacity
• It improves your posture
• It boots your energy and focus, it lowers fatigue
• It results in overall better well-being of body and mind

Are  you ready to stand with me? 🙂