Improving workplace concentration and boosting health and vitality are at the top of many of our life goals lists. Whilst this might seem an overwhelming task, thankfully there are surprisingly simple tools that can make all the difference. Standing desks or height adjustable desks are an impressive piece of ergonomic office furniture that can make a significant difference to your wellbeing. Let's take a closer look at the benefits and impact of standing desks and height adjustable desks on vitality and concentration, and how they can change your outlook this year!
Improving Focus with More Movement Throughout the Day
Most of us are used to prolonged periods of sitting at work, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. However, when we stand to work and incorporate gentle movement throughout the day, we boost our body's processes, give ourselves a brief energy boost, and improve focus and concentration
A study from the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at Texas A&M University explored the ways in which standing desks impact students focus and concentration in the classroom and while studying. First-year high school students involved in the study showed a marked, statistically significant improvement in focus, concentration, and memory whilst using standing desks or height adjustable desks. The study also suggested a boost in general brain activity thanks to an increase in blood flow around the body, similar to the effects of physical exercise.
Further exploration of these increased health benefits offers another theory: that standing and moving throughout the day activate various parts of the brain than areas stimulated whilst sitting, and that this increased activity in different areas of the brain helps stimulate areas of focus and problem-solving. All theories point towards a general increase in focus, concentration, creative thinking and problem-solving by those incorporating more movement in their working day – a step made incredibly easy by incorporating a standing desk or height adjustable desk into your office space.
Relief from Back and Neck Pain
Chronic back or neck pain affects many of us, and can affect our wellbeing, mental health, and workplace focus, concentration, and productivity. However, moving to use of a standing desk or height adjustable desk and the movement it supports throughout the day can bring a welcome respite from back pain and neck strains, allowing more comfort and flexibility in your day and a boost in focus and concentration over time.
Increased Energy and Stamina
Standing at work and incorporating more movement throughout your working day, even for brief periods, has been shown to greatly improve energy, stamina, focus, and concentration. Studies exploring a group of overweight adults using standing desks or height-adjustable desks reported less fatigue mentally and physically, and a boost in focus and concentration. A boost in standing periods by use of a standing desk or height adjustable desk will boost energy, stamina, focus, and concentration, making your workdays more productive and giving you more vitality for friends and family once your workday is done!
Building Healthy Habits for Long Term Improvement
Feeling fatigued or unproductive, or struggling with body pain or stress, isn't something that developed overnight. Fixing the problem and improving focus and concentration will also take a consistent commitment to building healthy habits every day. Using a standing desk or height adjustable desk might take some getting used to after a lifetime or sedentary working – but it's certainly worth the effort!
Some experts recommend using a timer to incorporate standing periods in smaller doses when you're first making the transition. Height adjustable desks with an automated adjustment mechanism are great for this, as you can change desk height at the touch of a button. Learning to associate your favourite activities with periods of standing can be another great way to boost use of your standing desk – try allowing yourself to listen to your favourite podcast whilst standing, or tying it in with a coffee break!
Moving to prolonged standing immediately from a sedentary position may come with its own health risks if not entered into gradually – it may reveal poor posture habits in your standing, cause hip and joint pain, or reduce sustained attention reaction time. Allow yourself a grace period as you learn to adjust to your new desk, incorporating consistent movement and stretching, and you'll soon start seeing the full health benefits, boost to focus and concentration, and overall improved wellbeing of using a standing desk or height adjustable desk.
Reap The Benefits of Standing Desks and Height Adjustable Desks
Making the right investment in a standing desk or height adjustable desk can make a huge difference to your overall wellbeing, workplace productivity, and daily focus and concentration. If you're ready to make the move, buying from a trusted provider like Flexispot can give you the reassurance of a high-quality, long-lasting product that can support you for years to come. Take a look at our range today!