5 Reasons to Use a Standing Desk

More than 80% of American jobs are primarily sedentary, putting people at an increased risk for all sorts of health problems. As a country, that's a lot of sitting, and it will affect short- and long-term wellness. One solution is using a standing desk.

A standing desk is a taller, adjustable desk intended to be the standing height of a worker. Some standing desks can be lowered enough to use while sitting as well. A standing desk can improve blood flow, back pain, energy, and focus. Similarly, people who are less sedentary may experience reduced depression, anxiety, and risk of chronic disease. 

Still not convinced you should consider a standing desk? Here are five ways you could benefit from using one.

Improved Posture and Reduced Back Pain

Sitting at a desk for prolonged periods of time can cause fatigue and physical discomfort. Back pain also is common—especially for those with poor posture, existing back pain, or a poorly positioned desk set-up. 

Instead of only sitting or standing for your entire work day, consider alternating between sitting and standing. Doing so reduces fatigue and lower back discomfort.

Increased Energy and Productivity

Using a standing desk may benefit more than just personal health. Productivity levels also could be positively influenced by standing desks. Along with feeling fatigued, prolonged sitting is also correlated with reduced energy levels and reduced productivity. 

However, researchers recently discovered that sit-stand desks were able to improve the general health and productivity of office workers. Workers in the study reported a significant increase in subjective health, vitality in work-related engagement, and self-rated work performance.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six in 10 people in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, or diabetes. Chronic disease is also the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., as well as a leading driver of healthcare costs.

While there is not enough research to know if standing desks can reduce the risk of chronic disease, one study did aim to quantify the association between sedentary time and the risk of chronic disease or death. Researchers also reported that being sedentary for prolonged periods of time was independently associated with negative health outcomes regardless of physical activity.

Improved Focus and Concentration

Sitting for extended periods of time impairs blood flow and function. Then, this decreased blood flow to the brain lowers cognitive function and increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers in one study confirmed that prolonged sitting in healthy desk workers reduced brain blood flow. This study further stated that frequent, short-duration walks could help to offset this.

Standing desks also can promote better blood flow and oxygen circulation. This effect would likely improve cognitive function, which may also help improve focus and concentration, says Ingrid Clay, NASM, MBA a personal trainer at Centr.  

Decreased Depression and Anxiety

Modern-day lifestyles typically contain large amounts of sedentary behavior. Some common examples include watching television, internet use, and reading. But little is known about the mental health risks of prolonged sedentary behavior, though a few studies have aimed to improve our understanding.

In one study, researchers focused on a group of older adults, having them self-report their television watching, internet use, and reading time. This information was then compared to their individual scoring on the Centre of Epidemiological Studies Depression scale.

They found that certain sedentary behaviors are more harmful to mental health than others. Television watching, for example, resulted in increased depressive symptoms and decreased cognitive function.

Internet use, though, seemed to have the opposite effect, decreasing depressive symptoms and increasing cognitive function. Researchers theorize that these results are being driven by the contrasting environmental and social contexts in which they occur.

Meanwhile, another study focused on the possible correlation between sedentary behavior and anxiety. Increased amounts of sedentary behavior, especially sitting, seemed to also increase anxiety risk.

Bottom Line

Standing desks can help to reduce the negative impact of sedentary behaviors, leading to a more productive, happy, and healthy work environment. Reducing the amount of time spent sitting, especially for office workers, also can improve both their mental and physical health.

Many standing desks are also adjustable and can be used to sit if desired. For those who work long hours in an office or on a computer, it may be worth incorporating a standing desk into the workspace.