Sitting too much is one of the most common sure-fire ways to guarantee an early death.
Okay, so that was perhaps a little dramatic โ but itโs closer to the truth than youโd be comfortable with. There is something about getting older (even on the lower end) which makes you want to live longer.
Maybe itโs that weโre all largely surprised that we navigated safely through our youth, or maybe itโs because weโve finally found our purpose, or โ and this a biggy โ it could just be because we all want to live a long and fulfilling life, and most of us donโt have the luxury of feeling like weโre even halfway there yet.
Whatever reasons you have for wanting to live a healthier life – congratulations for making it this far; now let the good work begin. There are several changes you can make in your life that will help you live a healthier life, and this article will show you why standing at work should be one of them.
- Reduces Back Pain
There is little chance that anyone older than 35 hasnโt experienced back pain. Back pain is part of lifeโs way of telling you to make changes before itโs too late โ consider it a warning sign.
Standing at your desk promotes circulation and doesnโt put as much pressure on your back as sitting does. You donโt have to stand the entire day, but you should alternate sitting during the day with periods of standing.
That is one of the quickest ways to relieve back and neck pain, and it can even cure minor back issues. Sitting for extended periods can put pressure on your back, which leads to back, shoulder, and neck pain.
- Lowers Risk Of Weight Gain
Before you get too excited, nothing is a miracle cure for weight gain โ losing weight takes discipline and dedication. That is precisely why this doesnโt say that standing lowers your chance of gaining weight because gaining weight doesnโt happen by accident.
Standing does burn more calories than sitting does, itโs not a crazy amount, but it can translate to an extra 1000 calories burnt each week. Standing lowers your risk of weight gain, mostly because it promotes a healthier mindset โ which means that youโre more likely to make healthier food choices and drink more water each day. After all, youโre cognizant of your wellbeing.
- Improves Mental Health
When we feel good about what weโre doing, it almost instantly also makes us feel good about ourselves too. Take the feel-good opportunity to boost your endorphins and choose to stand at work.
Standing at your desk lowers your blood sugar and your risk of developing some of the nastiest diseases, and who wouldnโt feel better about themselves for doing that? If you need any more encouragement, read this review of ergonomic desks.
- Protects Your Wrists
Anyone who has ever worked at a desk job will know the strains and pains that come with the territory. Chronic wrist pain and discomfort often lead to the development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is a condition that occurs when the median nerve gets compressed. For the most part, people with this condition will notice that it deteriorates over time.
Protect your wrists by working at a standing desk in the optimized position, for the best effect. The ideal angle when standing at your desk is somewhat more extended than what it would be if you were sitting, that is how the pressure is relieved, and your median nerve isnโt affected.
For the best protection, ensure that your keyboard and mouse are on the same level and your wrists are kept straight.
- Promotes Activity
There is something so freeing about standing while you work – if one of your favorite songs comes on, you can do a little jig as you type. A behavioral change on this level can have an impactful effect on how you spend your day.
Most often, people who sit all day will begin to notice that their joints ache by the end of each day and can feel stiff. Sitting at a desk all day means that your body is all but frozen in one position for hours on end; you simply donโt notice it because you are busy and distracted.
Change the way you view your workstation, and it will lead to a significant improvement in your overall health and wellness. Itโs never too late to make the right choice for your mind and body.
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