In the past, the office was simply a place where you’d work at your desk while sitting. Today, though, there are new ideas on how you can work at your office, which include standing. Several people have advised that standing may well be a better option while you work than sitting. But that isn’t the whole story. There’s a lot to know about it. The question now is, which one is healthier, sitting or standing at your office? Here’s a peek of what you need to figure out.
The Type of Desk You Use
Standing desks are the new desks that rise up so you can work in a standing position. Standing desks are more ergonomic, more space-efficient and have been shown to improve health and productivity. Downsides include their cost and taking up more space than regular desks. However, if your office provides them or reimburses you for one, then it’s definitely worth considering this option. With New Zealand’s leading office furniture supplier, you’ll find any type of desk you’re looking for. You can be alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day to prevent back pain associated with sedentary workdays. Most standing desks are adjustable, so they can be used as either sitting or standing desks, giving you flexibility.
The Kind of Chair You Sit-In
If you are going to sit, you need to make sure you have the right kind of chair for your body type. The ideal chair has armrests and backrest. The backrest should provide lumbar support, when you sit, you can feel some pressure in your lower back from the curve at the bottom of the backrest. The seat also needs to be wide enough to fit your hips and deep enough to allow two inches between the front edge of your seat and the angle where the thigh meets the torso. When seated at the desk, your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest. Also, ensure that the supports are high enough so forearms are parallel to the floor while typing on a keyboard.
Stretching During the Day
You shouldn’t rely on stretching to keep your muscles loose. That’s what exercise is for. You can use it to prevent muscle tightness and pain after long periods of sitting or standing. Find the right types of stretches that work for you, and you can do them while at the office and do them often.
Walking Around During Breaks
It’s also important to take a break from your desk during the day, preferably for at least 30 minutes and ideally for an hour. A lunch walk will help you clear your head and give your eyes a break from the screen. You can use the time to think about your next task or project or even just solve some of life’s more pressing questions.
Standing Or Sitting At A Desk?
You can either sit or stand while at your desk for work. It’s all a matter of preference. None is healthier than the other, but when used well, each one can have some health benefits. Here are some of the ideas you can use to decide if you should sit or stand while you work in the office.