The world is changing, and we’re not just talking about the rapid adoption of new technology. We’re also seeing a shift in how we work, with more people choosing to work remotely, or in co-working spaces where they can share office space with other entrepreneurs and freelancers.
One of the biggest challenges to working in such a flexible environment is finding a way to stay productive throughout the day without getting tired or sore.
Standing desks have become increasingly popular over the past few years as a way for people to stay active while working, but there’s no one size fits all solution when it comes to standing desks. Not everyone has a desk job and not everyone wants to stand all day.
If you’re considering investing in a standing desk for your home office or co-working space, here are some things you should know before making your purchase:
What is a Standing Desk?
A standing desk is essentially an adjustable desk that allows you to stand instead of sit at work. It usually has a motorized mechanism that raises and lowers the desktop surface so that you can switch between sitting and standing positions. Some people use it as an alternative to sitting all day while others use it as an additional option during breaks or throughout the day.
There are two main types of standing desks: static and dynamic.
- Static standing desks come in two variants: fixed height or infinitely adjustable heights (the latter being more expensive). Both allow you to raise and lower your workstation at will but only one lets you store all of your files underneath when not in use (which is what makes them infinitely adjustable).
- Dynamic standing desks only allow you to raise and lower your desktop surface, which means storing files underneath when not in use isn’t possible with this type of desk either.
Standing Desks Benefits and Why Chiropractors Recommend Them
You may have heard of these benefits before, but what’s the science behind them? What makes chiropractors recommend standing desks?
Here are some standing desks benefits:
Improved Circulation
Standing desks can help improve circulation by increasing blood flow and lymphatic drainage in your lower body when you’re on your feet instead of sitting down all day long. When you’re sitting at your desk, your blood circulation is restricted. When you stand up, your body begins to pump more blood to your brain and you start feeling more alert.
More Energy
Standing up allows for better blood flow through your body which gives you more energy throughout the day. This means that when you need to focus on something important, you won’t feel exhausted as quickly as before when using a traditional desk.
Better Posture
Standing desks have been shown to improve posture by forcing you to stand up straight rather than slouching over your computer screen. This improves circulation and helps relieve back pain caused by long periods of sitting. When sitting at a desk all day, it’s easy to slump over or slouch down onto the keyboard area which can cause back pain and other postural issues later on in life if they aren’t corrected now. By standing up while working, there’s less pressure put on the spine which leads to better posture overall over time.
Stronger Bones
Your bones need exercise to stay strong and prevent osteoporosis. Regular physical activity helps increase bone density and reduce your risk of fracture as well as falls in older adults. Standing burns more calories than sitting because it requires more energy expenditure than staying still. It’s possible that regular use of a sit-to-stand desk could lower your risk of osteoporosis by helping improve bone density and preventing falls later in life.
Improved Focus
The brain is a muscle, just like any other part of the body, and it needs to be worked out regularly to keep it sharp. A standing desk helps keep your mind alert by forcing you to stand up and focus on your work instead of letting your mind wander (which it does when we sit down for long periods).
Weight Loss
Studies have shown that people who use standing desks lose weight faster than those who don’t. This is because standing burns 2 1/2 times more calories than sitting does, so you’re burning more calories even if you aren’t moving around much.
A study published in the Healthline found that standing burns an extra 17 calories per hour compared to sitting. Also, about 50 calories per hour for a 150-pound person. For someone who sits for several hours each day (like many office workers), this could add up to significant weight loss over time.
Improved Mood
Sitting for long periods of time can cause fatigue and make you feel sluggish, but standing for long periods of time won’t have the same effect because it keeps your heart rate up and increases blood flow throughout your body. Standing up also improves circulation, which means better oxygenation in your brain, which improves moods.
Why do Chiropractors recommend standing desks?
Chiropractors are known for recommending chiropractic care to patients with back pain. They also recommend exercise and healthy living habits like eating well, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress. Standing helps our bodies to heal. The human body was designed to be upright – not sitting! We are meant to be on our feet, walking, running, and jumping. If we sit all day at work or school, our bodies are not able to function as they were intended.
Takeaway
The health benefits of standing desks are undeniable. Whether you’ve been questioning the value of a standing desk, you’re looking for reasons to convince your employer to give it a try, or you’ve recently purchased your first one, you’ve come to the right place. These ten incredible health benefits may provide just enough encouragement to help you get started, whether or not they ultimately convince you of the value of this seemingly simple change.
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Story from Dr. Ryan Carlson
Dr. Ryan Carlson is a leader within the chiropractic profession, as he teaches thousands of doctors on 4 continents every year how he is able to achieve such great results at Deep Roots Health Center.
Dr. Carlson not only holds a prized Advanced Proficiency certification within his neurological-based technique system, but also has completed a post-graduate course in auriculotherapy from the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders in order to better serve those patients who struggle with different forms of addiction. Dr. Carlson is also a published author in an effort to better serve and teach other doctors all over the world how to provide exceptional care for their patients and communities.
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