Standing while working can reduce pressure on the lumbar spine, burn more calories, and help you stay alert and focused. Follow these tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your standing desk.
Prop Your Foot- Take even more strain off of your low back by propping one foot onto a footrest, box, or simply the castors on your chair. This will tilt the pelvis back, releasing pressure on the lumbar discs.
Wear Supportive Shoes- Wearing shoes that are too hard, too soft, too flat, or have heels can place undue strain onto the feet and affect your standing posture as well. Make sure that your shoes are comfortable and supportive.
No Adjustments Needed- Positioning from the waist up looks exactly the same in standing as it does in sitting- so there is no need to readjust your monitor, keyboard, or mouse when transitioning between sitting and standing. Position the desktop at or just below the level of the elbows with the top 1/3 of the monitor level with the eyes.
Stand and Sit- Compared to sitting, standing places less strain on the low back. However, standing for too long can cause stiffness, decreased circulation, and back pain. Try standing for 15-20 minutes at a time and sitting for 30 minutes, alternating throughout the day.
Use What You Have- While a standing desk is a great addition to any office, not having one doesn't mean that standing is out of the question. Take a look at what you already have- a countertop, a bookshelf, or even some boxes can all be positioned and repurposed to allow you to stand for 15-20 minutes of work. If you have an external keyboard and mouse, position them at the level of the elbows with the laptop or monitor at eye level. If you only have a laptop, place it a few inches higher than elbow level to reduce strain on the neck.
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