It has been proven that standing desk improves the overall quality of life, especially if your job ties you down to the computer for hours at the time. Stanford University published a study about the benefits of standing desks and their effects on the lower back. As a healthier option to old-fashioned workstations, standing desks have gained very much on their popularity.
The dangers of sitting for a long period of time have been recognized by many so it has become quite common to see standing desks in both office buildings and homes. In addition to having less strain on the lower back, more and more people report that their mood has changed for the better as well as the amount of concentration while working. For all of you hardworking designers, accountants and programmers we have nothing but praises for standing desks.
However, life is not a fairy-tale and there are certain things that you have to keep in mind if you have chosen to get out of the sitting position. Although the back pain will certainly decrease by improving your posture, you will probably feel more pressure in your thighs and feet.
In order to alleviate the potential issues that accompany standing desks, people have come up with all sorts of accessories. We share the opinion, and we have gotten a couple of these things for our office as soon as we switched to standing desks.
Here are five standing desk accessories you should definitely think about getting for yourself:
5. Footwear
You are probably familiar with the importance of quality footwear while running or walking but standing for hours also demands that you think about your feet. Believe it or not, running shoes are in fact the best when it comes to giving you support when you are behind a standing desk. Something similar with decent arch support or shoes with comfortable soles will also do the trick.
If you are using a standing desk at home, a good option is going barefoot since it is the most natural way for your legs and back. Wearing socks is an option you should avoid because of the lack of air flow and a possibility they could irritate the skin on your feet.
Definitely avoid high heels or any type of shoes that are inflexible or simply too rigid.
4. Standing Mats
Having support while using a standing desk is not all about your shoes but it also has to do with what is under your feet. The most often recommendation is a standing mat since its properties allow your body to adjust its position constantly even though it seems you’re standing in place.
There are quite a bit of variations when it comes to standing mats so be sure to test the one you’re planning to buy. Choose according to your body type and personal preferences because the firmness and the material of a standing mat could mean the difference between pain and comfort.
One more reason to get yourself a standing mat is that it helps not only your feet but also your back. You are somewhat forced to stand with a healthy posture, relieving yourself of the stress that has built up in your neck and lower back.
3. Standing desk chair
via standingdeskgeek.com
We have already said that sitting for a long time is not good for you, but standing for hours also brings certain negative effects. If you have to stand an entire shift (8-10 hours), your calves and thighs are probably the first ones that will feel inflamed and painful.
The advisable course of action is to get a standing desk chair. You can alternate between a standing and a sitting position but remember to think about your posture even while you are in your chair.
This kind of chair is specially designed to fit a standing desk, so you do not have to stop with your work while you are sitting. These chairs come in various shapes and sizes, and some of them are very stylish and will fit into any home or office decoration.
2. Timer
Definitely the strangest item on our list, a timer is actually essential if you would like to make the most of your standing desk. You are making a transition between your old sitting habits and the requirements for a standing desk. It is imperative that you regulate the amount of time you are standing in a certain position.
You can use the timer to limit the time you spend sitting in a standing desk chair so you don’t revert to your old ways. Also, the timer can be used to split your work hours into sequences which improves overall productivity. Our advice is to set a five minutes timer for taking a walk as standing tends to cramp up your legs a bit.
Of course, you don’t have to buy a timer as a separate item since most smartphones and computers have this option built-in. You just remember to use it.
1. Computer mounts
via ergodesktop.com
Computer mounts are extremely important for your monitor (if you are using a desktop computer) or your laptop because of the height difference. It will relieve your shoulder pain giving your body a more natural position and your eyes as you will be looking at the monitor at the right angle.
Moreover, computer mounts will give you more space underneath them that you can use to keep office stuff. The additional space also serves as a work board in case you need to use the good old paper and pen.
Aesthetically, standing desks with computer mounts have a more professional look with a white of essential modernism.
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