If you struggle with pain or tension in your back, neck, or shoulders caused by sitting in front of a computer all day, the good news is that using a standing desk allows you to move around during the day and can potentially reduce work-related pain. Even so, when you first transition away from a traditional desk, there are a few things that you can do to start out on the right foot in order to make your standing desk more comfortable.
Make Sure Your Standing Desk is Right for Your Height
As you search for the best standing desk, make sure your height is right for the desk’s intended user. If you are significantly taller or shorter than the average person, you may need to look into a desk that is designed to accommodate your height. The UPDESK Pro, for example, has four standing height presets that will allow you to adjust your standing desk to the correct ergonomic position with the press of a button.
To make sure that your sit-stand desk is ergonomically suited for you specifically, take some time to make sure each of the following is true as you stand up straight, with your head in a relaxed, neutral position:
- The top of your computer screen lines up with your eyes as you look forward.
- As you look at the middle of the screen, you should not have to move your neck. Instead, you should only have to move your eyes down at about a 30 degree angle.
- If you were to look at your body from the side and draw an imaginary line from your ankle to the top of your spine, it would be a straight line that is perpendicular to the floor.
- As you rest your wrists on your desk to use your keyboard or mouse, your elbows should be at a 90 degree angle and your forearms should be parallel to the floor.
Use an Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat
If you’ve ever had to stand for an extended period of time on a hard floor, you know that it can create quite a bit of discomfort, or even pain, in your hips, knees, feet, or back. However, an anti-fatigue floor mat is designed specifically to combat that specific pain by relieving pressure points.
Wear Supportive Shoes
You might just remember your mom lecturing you about something along these lines, but it really is a no-brainer: choosing supportive shoes is important. Many flats, heels, and even many men’s dress shoes are designed only for the way they look and are not necessarily created to support your body. If your shoe does not have a supportive sole, you will find that your weight is improperly distributed.
If you can’t totally give up your favorite shoes, consider having a pair of more sensible ones to use while you’re at your desk and switch to your stylish pair when you leave.
Don’t Forget to Move
Even though it has been proven again and again that a standing desk offers a multitude of benefits for your health, don’t forget that your body was not designed to stay in only one position over the course of an entire day. Make sure that you take time to shift your weight, walk up and down the hall, sit when you need it, and to stretch regularly throughout your day.
One of the greatest benefits of an electric standing desk is that it allows you to move quite a bit throughout your workday instead of forcing you to be in a stationary position. UPDESK has several models for you to choose from for your unique needs so that you can get comfortable and allow yourself to focus on the work that is important to you.
