Are you thinking about investing in a standing desk?
Standing desks are beneficial for many reasons. They can help lower your risk of obesity and heart disease, they can help improve your mood and energy levels, and they can help reduce back pain.
But, to reap all of these benefits, you need to make sure you’re using your standing desk the right way.
Read on to learn how to use a standing desk.
How to Use a Standing Desk While Standing
The great thing about standing desks is that they can also be converted into sitting desks. When you’re choosing to stand at your desk, here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Bend your elbows at 90 degrees and keep your wrists straight in front of you and your neck neutral
- Allow your hands to float over the keyboard with relaxed wrists
- Keep your knees slightly bent so your joints don’t lock and you don’t hyperextend your knees
- Ensure that your wrists remain neutral, never allowing them at an incline or decline
Following these steps can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, promote good posture, and keep your joints healthy.
How to Use a Standing Desk While Sitting
You’re probably not going to want to stand at your desk for eight hours straight. When you need breaks to sit down, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Adjust the chair height so the base of your knees are parallel to the seat cushion
- Make sure your feet are parallel to the floor and your knees are bent at 90 degrees
- Keep your feet flat on the floor
- Raise or lower your standing desk until the surface reaches your forearms
- Bend your elbows at 90 degrees, allowing your arms to hang near your torso
Also, make sure you’re paying attention to your posture while sitting. The backrest of the chair you’re using should be curved or padded to meet the hollow of your back.
Tips for Using a Standing Desk
In addition to making sure you maintain the correct sitting and standing position, here are some other tips to keep in mind when using a standing desk:
- Create sitting and standing intervals (you can click here to learn about sitting vs standing at a standing desk)
- Place something soft beneath your feet when standing
- Don’t stand like a statue, move around a bit when using your standing desk
- Try to stand for 30 to 45 minutes every hour
- Avoid slouching your shoulders and hunching your back
With these tips, you’ll be able to reap all of the benefits that a standing desk has to offer.
Are You Ready to Use Your Standing Desk?
Now that you know how to use a standing desk, it’s time to put these tips into action. Pretty soon, you’ll notice the difference in your health from using a standing desk.
For more tips on how to stay healthier in the workplace, be sure to check out our blog.