Even if you already know that practicing ergonomics at work can help to improve your posture while you’re sitting at your desk, studies that were released last year show that prolonged sitting can cause a variety of problems that may shorten your life much in the same way that the toxins in cigarette smoke take years off a smoker’s life. These studies showed that people who sat for six to eight hours a day or more at their job at a continuous pace developed a number of health problems, gained a great deal of weight, and some of them even developed deadly illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. These reports have prompted many companies to offer their employees a standing desk, which can battle the negative effects of excessive sitting.
How Sitting Causes Poor Oxygen Intake
Just as cigarette smoke constricts the blood vessels and causes poor oxygenation of the blood cells, sitting at a computer desk all day can impede air flow to the lungs. When you slump forward in your chair to peer at your computer screen, you’re cramping your lungs and restricting normal breathing. This can lead to several problems that reach far beyond bad posture and a sore back: a restricted air flow can cause feelings of lethargy, a lack of focus, and even painful daily headaches. Working at a standing desk for part of the day will not only allow you to be more mobile and improve blood flow to the body, but you will breathe easier as well, especially when you stand up straight.
Finding a Healthy Balance
While working at a standing desk can help to improve your oxygen intake, standing all day can be hard on your feet and legs, particularly if you’re older. Desks like these allow you to do some of your working standing up, but they can also be adjusted easily so that you may sit some of the time, keeping you at your optimum health. A standing desk isn’t a single solution to the problems that can be caused by sitting hunched over a computer desk all day, but rather part of an office furniture rotation that can be used to improve your daily health. Sitting, standing, and walking should all be a part of your office regimen, as well as quick and easy stretches that you can do at your desk. The more you can improve your oxygen and blood flow, the healthier you will be.
Biomorph: Part of a Healthy Workplace
For ergonomic solutions at your workplace, call us at 888-302-DESK or visit our New York City showroom at 11 Broadway to browse our quality selection of office furniture such as chairs, desks, lighting, and even ergonomic storage solutions for your small or large office. We can help you find a standing desk that’s the perfect fit for you and your work space, even if you have never owned an ergonomic piece of furniture before. Your job shouldn’t have to be detrimental to your health, and we can help you with solutions that are both affordable and effective, no matter your occupation.