Fight Fatigue at your Standing Desk: Here's How

People in the workplace nowadays are continuously becoming aware of how standing can be a way to be more productive. This is proven with the help of breakthroughs in ergonomics. They may include standing desks in their workspaces.

However, for some beginners who use ergonomic desks, boredom and fatigue can serious things to pay attention to. The good thing is that they can be avoided, and better ways to use standing desks can be done to achieve increased productivity and better efficiency.

 

Tips on How to Fight Fatigue While Using Standing Desks

Once you've committed to using a standing desk in your workstation, you need to be aware of how to properly utilize it. This will ensure you to overcome any discomfort and promote better usage as time goes by. Most of us think that once equipment becomes available, it will do all the work. That is not always applicable. As a worker, we should also do our part if we want to achieve overall healthy working experience.

Below are some helpful ways to fight fatigue when using a standing desk:

 

#1 Maintain the proper posture. A good posture is one of the critical factors to achieve a comfortable work experience. This can be achieved both in sitting and standing once good habits are applied. However, an improper posture can lead to health issues. These include musculoskeletal disorders, joint pains, tenosynovitis, and arthritis. Fatigue can also be experienced.

In a post published by Ergonomic Trends, the following are the signs of a good posture:

- Chin parallel to the floor

- Shoulders and hips should align

- Hips and ankles should also be aligned

- The weight of the body must evenly be distributed between two feet 

Also, The American Chiropractic Association points out that proper posture aid in correcting the alignment of muscles and joints. That's why standing properly can overcome health issues that affect work performance.

Experts advise that whenever you stand, it is better to squeeze your buttock muscles together. But make sure not to tuck your rear end under the pelvis too far. Also, tighten the stomach muscles, but not too much. Your arms down should be kept down at your sides, and have the shoulders relaxed so that the thumbs will be facing forward.

 

#2 Alternate between standing, sitting and walking. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle at any cost. Various research has already shown that prolonged sitting causes adverse effects on health. However, standing for long hours can also lead to some health issues such as fatigue and leg pain. That is why it is advisable to promote the habit of alternating between sitting, sitting, and walking in the workplace. Ergonomists suggest that using a sit stand desk can be a smart idea to support this habit. Don't let yourself worry too much about how to do sitting and standing because you can integrate them without putting your tasks at risk.

Of course, you should also take breaks from work throughout the day. You can take a walk for a while outside the office. This will help you stretch some of your muscles, and you will feel more refreshed and active.

 

#3 Use an anti-fatigue mat. Standing for extended hours on tiles, wood, and concrete floors can result in problems. Varicose veins, circulatory issues, lower limb swelling, and body pains can be some of them. Using anti-fatigue mats can help address these issues. This ergonomic product can promote better comfort because of the cushion, which allows shin muscles and calves to contract. The muscle contraction causes the blood to be pushed back to the core and re-oxygenated. Thus, better circulation is achieved.

 

#4 Choose a comfortable pair of shoes. The footwear you choose can play a significant factor in achieving a great working experience. It's not a good idea to wear high-heeled shoes in the working area for eight hours. It is important that when you are using a standing desk, you will choose footwear that adds comfort, no hassles while working. To make sure you are going to get the best type of shoes, you can refer to an orthopedist or podiatrist.

Also, wearing a good pair of shoes with sole support and proper arch can help you stand more comfortably while performing the job. These types of footwear will help ease tensions of the muscles and ligaments while you are working at your standing desk. Most experts recommend shoes such as comfortable sneakers, shoes with great cushioning, and professional clogs.

Furthermore, The National Institute for Occupational Safety suggests workers utilize compression hosiery and shoe inserts to help fight discomfort while at standing desks. Investing in comfortable insoles for their old shoes will also be fine. Besides, compression stockings can also avoid fluid buildup in the legs and feet, which commonly cause varicose veins.

 

#5 Do some stretching a few times throughout the day. Doing some stretches is essential to people in the workplace to feel better after several hours of working while either sitting or standing. According to Mayo Clinic, some of these stretch exercises include upper arm stretches, shoulder stretches, lower back stretches, head and neck stretch, and thigh stretches. Doing some stretches will help ease the muscles from tensions so that you will feel better and more energized at work.

 

It's More Than Just Standing

It is not enough that people learn how to set up an ergonomic workstation. Of course, it does help. For instance, a sit-stand desk will help a worker to shift from sitting to standing and vice versa. But people should not only focus on setting up and modifying workspaces. They should also make some efforts in keeping the body healthy and comfortable while working.

Make sure to maintain the proper posture whether while sitting or standing. Keep yourself away from doing things that may lead to having a sedentary lifestyle. As previously discussed, it's also imperative to alternate between sitting and standing. Take some short breaks from your work and do brief stretches as frequently as you can. It's not just about standing that will help fight fatigue and discomfort at work. It's making effective habits and integrating them into your work routine daily.