8 Ways to Avoid Standing Desk Fatigue

Using a standing desk can be tiring, especially if you are just beginning.  Here are a few tips to reduce standing desk fatigue so you can get the most out of your sit-stand desk and maximize your work day!

 

Fight Standing Desk Fatigue with these Tips

 

HealthPostures Stance and anti-fatigue mat1.  Change up your standing position with a footstool. Movement is great, so don’t think that you need to be standing statically all the time. A simple footstool can be a great way to vary your standing position and rest one foot at a time, which is very natural. You can also experiment with some other standing positions such as a slight lean on your desk. Go ahead and fidget!

 

2.  Choose the right shoes. Your feet will be happier if you choose supportive, comfortable shoes to use with your standing desk. Obviously, high-heeled shoes will be more prone to discomfort, and eventually fatigue.  Find a pair of shoes that are comfortable to you, or even go barefoot if that is most comfortable. There is no one “perfect” shoe for everyone so you will need to experiment and listen to what your feet are telling you.

 

3.  Invest in an anti-fatigue mat. HealthPostures offers an ergonomic mat to help reduce discomfort and fatigue while standing.  The cushioned mat will provide a bounce-back memory surface and help prevent foot, leg, and back discomfort.

 

4.  Stand with the correct posture. Be aware of your posture and how it is making you feel. Good posture will feel natural and comfortable. Bad posture can cause muscle aches and pain. If you have difficulty maintaining a normal upright posture, you may want to try some exercises that would help strengthen your postural muscles or increase your endurance.

 

5.  Adjust your desk and screen for proper ergonomics. When you are moving between sitting and standing, make sure your desk and screen are not too high or too low for your height. Also, pay attention to your keyboard and mouse position. Proper position of the computer screen, keyboard, and mouse are instrumental to your comfort and ergonomics.

 

6.  Don’t forget to stretch. Working at a desk for long periods of time, whether sitting or standing, requires frequent stretching to keep your body limber and reduce stiffness and pain.  Take a short break and stretch at least 3 times a day and make it routine.  Stretches for upper body and lower body are necessary such as should shrugs, upper back stretch, hip flexor stretch, neck stretch, and spinal twists. Here are some stretches for office life.

 

7.  Alternate between sitting, standing and walking. Having a standing desk does not mean you are standing all the time.  Having a standing desk, or sit-stand desk, allows you to easily move between sitting and standing, which we recommend. Step away from your desk a few times a day for a short walk, even if that is to the lunch room or across the hall to a co-worker’s office. Go outside for a walk and get some fresh air if you can!

 

8.  Consider the Stance Angle Chair. For some people, supported standing in a sit-stand chair like the Stance is more comfortable. The Stance Angle Chair by HealthPostures supports the user in sitting, neutral position, and the standing position.  It also helps to build up a person’s standing endurance.  Read one user’s story here.

 

If you are just starting to use a standing desk we hope these tips are helpful. If you are considering a standing desk, HealthPostures offers many different standing desk options, from desktop converters to adjustable legs, and sit-stand chairs. If you are interested in learning about the HealthPostures ergonomic sit-stand products, give us a call at 800-277-1841 or contact us here.