Australians sit an average of 10 hours daily, which health experts define as within the high-risk range. Sitting for half of an eight-hour workday can lead to health problems like back pain. While standing up and stretching your legs can help, sometimes this is difficult to do when you have urgent projects or beating deadlines.
One option is a Standing Desk Australia, which can provide the option to stand or sit when typing on a computer, completing daily reports, or talking to valued customers. Here are some of the top advantages of these ergonomic desks.
Increased Productivity and Alertness
Various studies show that many participants report better productivity when using standing desks. In one study, two-thirds of the respondents reported they checked email faster when standing up versus sitting down.
Besides being more productive, study participants also report they’re more alert when using an upright desk. This factor is related to productivity since drowsiness can cause a decrease in work completed.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels
If you have type-2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, or insulin resistance, then a sit-stand desk might be an alternative to cutting white sugar and refined carbs from your diet.
A small 2013 study showed that standing for 3 hours after lunch lowered blood sugar spikes by 13% versus sitting for that period of time. The result was from standing or sitting because the participants took the same number of steps daily.
Reduced Work Stress Levels
Work-related stress is normal. However, high stressors can trigger various health conditions. One study found that one-third of participants felt less stressed out by using standing furniture. There are various reasons why this works. For example, you can stretch muscles, boost energy, and reduce frustration.
You can also use other methods like deep breathing techniques to help your stress levels plummet.
Lower Risk of High Bodyweight
Recent studies show that two-thirds of Australian adults are overweight or obese, according to the Australian government. Sitting all day can lead to weight gain since it reduces the number of calories you burn.
While regular exercise is especially helpful for reducing body weight, you can also achieve that goal by standing up at work. Studies show that just standing all afternoon can burn an extra 170 calories versus sedentary work. This means you could burn 1000 extra calories in one week, which can help you reach your weight loss goals.
Reduce Back Pain Including Lumbar Spine
Research shows that 16% of Australians have back problems, while lower back pain is the most common type among people. A 2018 Australian study shows that upright desks might boost life expectancy.
The office furniture can also provide other health benefits like relieving lower back pressure. In fact, simply standing for just one hour daily can help to reduce spinal stress from sitting all day.
Lower Risk of Heart Disease
This is a severe condition that affects about 3% of Australian adults. In fact, researchers have been studying the benefits of standing on heart health since the 1950s. One study found that people who stood all day had a 50% lower risk of fatal heart disease versus coworkers who sat in driver’s seats all day.
More recent studies show that standing versus sitting can reduce heart disease by nearly 3x. In fact, studies show that an hour of exercise might not offset the effects of sitting at a desk behind the wheel all day.
One of the most effective ways to improve workplace ergonomics is with a Standing Desk Australia. Studies show using an upright desk seems to provide benefits related to back pain, blood sugar, and stress levels. They might even help workers to live longer.
