Adjustable desks are becoming more and more popular. Preliminary studies have shown that using an adjustable desk can be very beneficial for health and productivity. These results are apparent if we note that such a desk can be used in various modes (when the person is fully standing and seated) regulated for different purposes.
Nevertheless, there are no strict rules for how best to use a standing desk. This article will give you five tips for using a desk that can properly change the tabletop’s height. They will help you maximize the benefits of ergonomic furniture and minimize the adverse side effects of long working hours.
Alternate Between Standing and Sitting
There is no doubt that spending too much time sitting is very bad for your health. It has been proven. However, that doesn't mean you should be on your feet all day long when you're at work either. Studies have found clear connections between lower back pain and occupations where you have to stand all day, such as salespeople or people working in production lines, despite using a standing desk frequently.
Sitting motionless for a long time could also be bad for the muscles, tendons, and other connective tissues in your legs. It could also be one of the causes of varicose veins. Fortunately, you can avoid this by ordering a height-adjustable desk that stimulates you to alternate between standing and sitting. Research is still in its early stages, but the ratio that seems ideal is to spend half the time standing and half the time sitting. Spending two-thirds of your time sitting and only one-third standing would be enough to see many benefits. With a balanced ratio, there is no loss of energy, comfort, or productivity.
This means that every hour or two sitting requires one hour of standing. But still try, if possible, to use your adjustable standing desk to change position every 30 to 60 minutes. Try to alternate between standing and sitting as preliminary research suggests that it is sufficient to spend one hour on your feet for every hour or two hours spent sitting in a chair.
When You Change Your Position, Also Adjust Your Screen
Finding the right height and adjusting your computer screen properly is very important. They help to keep a comfortable posture and reduce the risk of injury at work. To get started, raise your adjustable desktop until it's at the height of your elbows. Your elbows should rest on them and be at a right angle to the floor.
The recommendations for tilting the computer screen are not precise either. In general, it should be about two to three inches from your face. To measure quickly without using a tool, the distance should not be smaller than the distance between the tip of your middle finger and your elbow. The top of the screen should be at eye level, and the screen should be tilted 10 to 20 degrees. The idea is that a person shouldn't tilt their head up or down working at the height-adjustable standing desk, as it would hurt the neck or spine eventually.
If you're using a laptop, try positioning your adjustable desk so the keyboard is at the same height as your elbows. However, this forces you to tilt the screen back and neck down, which is not ideal in the long run. Your adjustable standing desk should be somewhere at the waist level — it depends on your height. When you sit down, your desk should be at the same height as your elbows and the top of the screen at eye level — do not forget to regulate it too.
Buy an Anti-Fatigue Mat
Apart from changing your electric standing desk position, do not forget to move more and use additional products that take care of your health. Anti-fatigue mats are generally used by people who have a job that requires them to stand for a long time. These mats are supposed to prevent fatigue from standing by encouraging light movements of the leg muscles. This allows better blood circulation and reduces discomfort that an inexperienced adjustable computer desk user can feel. People who spend two or more hours on their feet a day experience less discomfort and fatigue when using anti-fatigue mats. This type of mat can also help you if you have leg problems or lower back pain.
Even the best standing desk will highly benefit from such an accessory. If your legs or lower back have pain from spending too much time on your feet, anti-fatigue mats can be beneficial when a person spends at least two hours on their feet a day. Do not forget that you should stand on such a mat with your bare legs. Unfortunately, it is not always possible in the noisy office, but if you work at home — thy this mat out.
Change the Position of Your Keyboard and Mouse
Working a few hours a day in front of a computer can be bad for your wrists. This is why it is essential to have the best possible wrist position both when you use a standing computer desk or sit. Your wrist should be tilted forward (up) a little more in a standing position compared to when you are sitting. If you don't change your wrist’s position when adjusting your smart desk, you may develop wrist pain.
When standing, protect your wrists, level your computer keyboard and mouse so that wrists are roughly straight as you type on the keyboard. If your wrists still hurt from time to time, try finding an adjustable keyboard stand and gel mouse pads, which provide good wrist support. The ideal positions for your wrists when standing at your adjustable office desk and sitting are not the same, so remember to change them.
Bottom Line
Turn to the Kulik System story to learn more about our adjustable smart desks. All the models are equipped with an electric drive and are customizable. You can order a desk that will match your priorities, cope with your tasks, and fit perfectly into your workspace.
Using an adjustable desk can be very good for your health. However, it takes some getting used to, and if not used properly, a smart adjustable desk can do more harm than good. To maximize the benefits and minimize the risks, use the tips from this article.
