Less than 20 percent of American workers hold physically active jobs, according to Johns Hopkins.
Worse yet, the Mayo Clinic warns that sitting for eight hours a day can be just as detrimental to your health as smoking or obesity.
So, you've decided to try out a height-adjustable desk so that you can do your job without risking your health. There's only one problem — you don't quite know how to use your new workspace.
We're here to help with that. Here are five ways to reap the health benefits that come with your new height-adjustable desk.
1. Place the Mouse and Keyboard...
Once you've purchased the must-have accessories for your stand-up desk, adjust it so that it's as comfortable for your body as possible. You don't want to strain yourself even more with a lousy desk setup.
So start with the keyboard and mouse – each of these accessories should sit around belly button height. That way, your arms bend at about an 80-degree angle to click and type. This position is neutral, thus removing strain from your wrists, elbows and arms.
2. ... And the Monitor
You'll then want to measure the distance between your face and the computer monitor. An 18-inch gap should do the trick.
Make sure the top of your computer screen is at eye level, too. You don't want to be looking down more than 15 degrees while you work.
All of this will ensure you're getting the most out of your standing desk — when you stand up, anyway.
3. Set Get-Up Reminders
On that note, most people transition from a stationary to a standing work style. So, set a computer or phone reminder to get up throughout the day.
As time goes on, you will be able to stand for increasingly longer stretches throughout the day. And you won't need an alarm to remind you to do it, either.
But you should alternate between sitting and standing. Too much of the latter can be damaging, as well. If you start having backaches, leg cramps or other symptoms, you might be standing for too long.
4. Don't Just Stand There, Though
Getting out of your chair is only part of it. To break out of your sedentary lifestyle, you have to move during the workday.
Standing at a height-adjustable desk makes it simpler to do so. Again, set a timer that will remind you every hour to pause from work and stretch. You can launch into a slew of different poses from your standing position.
No matter what, a burst of movement will amplify the feel-good effects of your adjustable-height desk.
5. Wear the Right Shoes
Even when you stand up to work, there's room to improve your workplace posture. Your shoes can make the job a whole lot more comfortable, too.
Any footwear with a firm insole will give you a solid ground to stand on, thus improving your posture. So, too, can a cushioning insole and arch-supporting design.
On the other hand, an uncomfortable shoe can reduce the benefits you reap from your height-adjustable desk. For instance, if you wear heels and stand all day long, you could be in more pain by 5 o'clock.
Get It Right With the Height-Adjustable Desk
These five tips will help you make the most of the many health benefits that come with your height-adjustable desk. So, implement them, rise to your feet, and go for it. You're going to have a great day at the office.
Want to make your desk even more ergonomic? Check back with our blog for all of the tips and tricks you need.