What is the Correct Way to Stand at a Standing Desk? – Common Mistakes to Avoid
In discussing today's topic, you could be forgiven for thinking we were patronizing us while telling you the right way to stand. After all, standing up is one of the easiest things for you to do, right? Ok, yes, but not necessarily at your desk. Standing desks in the workplace are becoming more common as waistlines expand and the number of people with chronic back problems increases. But it turns out that standing on a standing table is actually the wrong way to go. In fact, there are several wrong ways to stand on a standing desk.These are some common mistakes to avoid when using a standing desk.
Bad posture
One of the biggest complaints of office workers after sitting at their desks for a long time is bad posture. Poor posture is usually caused by sitting too long or relaxing forward while working. But it turns out that when you stand upright, your posture can actually be poor, too. Poor posture at a standing desk can sour your back, make you uncomfortable, and most likely cause you to spend less time at your desk.To stand properly, you need to keep your back straight, your head straight, your hips straight, and your spine in an "S" shape.
Standing too long
One common misconception when it comes to standing desks, is that they should be used for standing upright for the entire working day. The truth is that standing up straight for 8 or more hours each day would be quite uncomfortable. It is recommended that you aim to stand for around 2 hours each day to begin with, and that you gradually increase the amount of time standing once you get more comfortable with it. Try to alternate between standing and sitting to begin with.
Setting the desk at the wrong height
One of the great things about human beings is that we’re all unique. Because of this, we come in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, standing desks are NOT universal in terms of height, and for obvious reasons. A 6ft 5-inch office worker will obviously not have their desk set at the same height as a 5ft 4-inch office worker. To get the most from your standing desk, be sure to set it at the correct height. A basic rule of thumb to follow when it comes to determining the height of your standing desk is to set it so that your elbows are no less than 90-degrees on the desk, and that your monitor height is very slightly below eye level.
Failing to use an anti-fatigue mat
An anti-fatigue mat is a very simple piece of kit that works wonders for your feet. If you find that your feet are hurting after being stood up for hours, place an anti-fatigue mat underneath them. These mats provide a very slight layer of cushioning, whilst also encouraging you to move your feet and stay active.
