Standing Desks: 7 Unexpected Benefits You Can Get from Standing at Work

Before we talk about standing desks, let’s take a minute and think about the number of hours you spend sitting down (as opposed to standing) in an average day. Did the number of hours shock you?

Studies show that the average Singaporean adult spends around 7 hours sitting down at work and another 5.5 hours spent during leisure times. That’s a whopping 12.5 hours in a day!

While we spend hours sitting on public transport on our way to work, sitting in our cubicles at work, or sitting while playing our mobile or computer games, the truth is sitting for extended periods of time is terrible for our health.

For this simple reason, standing desks have become all the rage these days as a simple solution to combat our unhealthy sedentary lifestyles.

What is a Standing Desk?

A standing desk, as its name suggests, is a desk that allows you to work comfortably at your desk while standing up.

Compared to normal sitting height desks which have typically lower heights to match your sitting posture, standing desks normally come with adjustable height functions to increase the height to a suitable position when you are standing up.

The point of a standing desk? To help deskbound people beat inactivity and the myriad of health issues that come with sitting down for prolonged periods. 

Benefits of Using Standing Desk at Work

Worried about the health consequences of sitting down too much? Here are 7 good reasons why you should make the switch to a standing desk today!

Boosts Productivity

Here’s a fun fact: By standing, your body initiates stimulation and circulation of blood flow, nutrients, and oxygen to your brain.

That’s why you may find that after sitting for long periods, you feel lethargic or that your brain can’t seem to function well.

The solution to improving blood flow to the brain, and hence mental focus and productivity? Take standing breaks at regular intervals, or even better, stand up while you work.

Need more convincing? Just take a look at this scientific study of how a call centre significantly improved its productivity in just 6 months after switching over to standing desks for their employees!

Lowers Risk of Weight Gain

Notice how your friends tend to gain weight quickly after starting work? It’s all because of the sedentary office lifestyle.

The secret to preventing weight gain while having to work in an office is simple – standing while you work.

Using an example of an 80kg male, the simple act of standing while working will help you burn 10,560 more calories (over 30 days) compared to sitting down!

Want to avoid weight gain? Simply start standing while you work.

Reduces Back Pain

Find yourself complaining about back pain all the time? Sitting down for long periods (especially in bad posture) is a common cause for that.

Amongst the many suggestions from professional doctors on how to alleviate this problem, the most effective would be to sit down as little as possible. And if you had to sit down, make sure to sit on a chair with sufficient lumbar support for your spine.

Helps With Toning of Muscles  

The act of standing compared to sitting down passively activates many more muscles in our body. So, it’s no surprise that standing while working will help us to strengthen and tone our muscles in the process.

Want to take it to the next level? You can make things fun at work by incorporating these simple and subtle exercises as you get through the workday:

• Stand on your tippy-toes
• Quad stretches
• Squats
• Lateral raises

With these exercises, you can get an effective body workout while doing your work – how time-saving!

Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar levels are bad for health in general, leading to increased risks for heart diseases, strokes, vision problems, and nerve problems among many others.

That is why anything you do that helps to reduce blood sugar levels throughout the day is helpful.

One simple and effective way to do so is by standing! Studies estimate that taking standing breaks every half an hour can help to reduce blood sugar levels by up to 11% compared to sitting down. If that’s not a good reason to start standing while working, we don’t know what is!

Improves Your Mood

Feeling down and moody while at work? It could be because you have been seated for too long.

Yes, you read that right. Sitting for long periods has been linked to negative mental health conditions like stress, depression, and anxiety, and that’s why office workers may easily find themselves in the dumps after a long day of work.

In contrast, standing has been shown to help improve mood states and reduce depressive thoughts and psychological distress.

Want a quick mood booster at work? Simply stand up while you work!

Lower Health Risks Like Heart Disease, Cancer, and More

Last but not least, standing also helps to significantly lower common health risks associated with inactive lifestyles.

Standing compared to sitting helps encourage better blood flow through the body which prevents the build-up of fatty acids that is the biggest contributor to heart disease and strokes.

While not immediately obvious, studies also show a consistent relationship between long hours of sitting with an increased risk for uterine and colon cancers.

The recommendation to avoid such health issues? Spend more time standing than you do sitting whether it is at home or work.

Start Your Standing Journey with Aukey’s Electric Standing Desk Today! 

With all the positive health benefits, it’s no wonder that more people around the world are adopting a new standing working habit!

Ready to start your healthy standing journey at work? AUKEY's super quiet electric height-adjustable standing desk with an anti-collision system is the perfect way to get started!

Easily assembled, you can set up your new workstation in under 5 minutes. Alternatively opt for installation service at an additional S$40 to get delivered all ready to use!