How Can I Make My Standing Desk More Comfortable?

Those who are new to standing desks may begin by standing more than their body is accustomed to, resulting in a possible increase in the incidence of foot, back, and neck pain while working at their new height adjustable desk. Always rest when you feel any sort of pain while standing - it's important to let your body take time to get used to this new style of working at your standing desk setup.

These desks are great, as they allow people to stay active and feel healthy. They're also intended to help those who grapple with tension or pain within their back, shoulders, or neck due to spending the entire day in front of a computer. With long-term use of a sit stand desk, your back, shoulders and neck muscles will strengthen and these chronic conditions will often show improvements.

How exactly can a sit stand desk make me more comfortable?

A sit stand desk also enables you to navigate around the tension and pain of chronic conditions by taking a break from sitting and changing your posture to standing position instead. Ultimately, your workstation shouldn't cause you pain, it should be supporting you.

You can make your desk more comfortable by paying attention to how you sit or stand at your desk. Developing the right posture at your standing desk is crucial for your health and wellness. You are bound to experience tension and pressure on your shoulders, neck and back if your posture is incorrect when working while standing. This post will cover how you can make your desk more comfortable, especially if you are currently experiencing back pain while working with your height adjustable standing desk.

Ensure Your Standing Desk Is At An Ergonomic Height

If you don't know your height, first ensure your height is accurately measured so you'll have the right numbers to work with. Next, use our standing desk height calculator to figure out the right sitting and standing height of your desk. Once the calculator gives you a range to try, test out heights within that range and ensure your elbows are at a 90-100° angle.

Ensure you're in a relaxed, neutral standing position at all times when working while standing at your new desk. Stand straight and not with your torso leaning forward. This is important because the right posture plays a huge part when it comes to comfort and energy levels - it's not just the right height of desk that matters, it's good posture when you use a standing desk properly that matters.

Be careful not to work from a standing desk too high for you. The trouble with standing desks that are too low is that your back and neck muscles become tired as you do a lot of slouching forward at your standing desk. Hence, it is advisable to go for a adjustable standing desk that allows you to stand comfortably at the custom height for your needs.

Switch Between Sitting And Standing

If you are one of those people who have bad posture while working at an office, then switching between sitting and standing may ensure that you are more conscious of your posture. As you switch positions throughout the day, you may consider doing some light exercises at your desk during your standing time (not more than half an hour to start with) and provide your back and other muscles with some stretching and strengthening. Doing some light exercises while working will also help you be more conscious of good posture while standing at a new standing desk. Our Desky Ball Anti Fatigue Mat is a great way to exercise your feet muscles while at work - plus, it's popular with pets!

Sit In An Ergonomic Office Chair

An ergonomic office chair is a must-have when it comes to achieving comfort at your standing desk. These chairs can make it easy to achieve good posture while using a standing desk, at the same time preventing pain in your back, shoulders and neck areas. Chairs such as these can also help you keep your back upright in a natural position while sitting at your desk instead of encouraging you to slouch forward. Arm support as well as a comfortable seat cushion are some of the various benefits of such a chair. Ultimately, the adjustability of an ergonomic chair is key to ensuring your body is in the optimum position while you're working for long hours at your standing desk. Take a look at our post on how to select the best ergonomic chair for your needs if you need more tips.

Wear Supportive Shoes

If you are not comfortable maintaining a good posture while sitting at your standing desk, then make sure that you wear supportive shoes when working. This will help support your feet and keep them firmly planted on the floor while working. Supportive shoes will also ensure that you do not get tired easily while working and can help you stand comfortably for longer periods.

Use An Anti-Fatigue Mat

If you are experiencing discomfort while using a standing desk setup, we recommend the purchase of a cushioned anti fatigue mat. An anti fatigue mat will allow you to stand for longer periods of time more comfortably, thanks to its gel foam and cushioning ability. With an anti-slip backing and ability to stimulate blood flow, you'll never need to worry about feet cramping or possible accidents from tripping. Take a look at our variety of anti fatigue mats and select the standing desk mat that suits your needs best.

Get A Chair With Headrest

An ergonomic chair with headrest can add additional comfort to your work day and allow you to support the weight of your neck easily whenever you need a break. The Desky Pro Plus Ergonomic Chair fits the bill with a headrest with adjustable height as well as a synchro-tilt mechanism which ensures the perfect, most comfortable angle when you lean back. You'll be able to move freely as you lean back while remaining supported, and the rocking allows you to sit more naturally compared to traditional chairs without this function. With a great ergonomic chair and headrest, you'll be able to maintain a relaxed and comfortable position throughout the day, ensuring that your back and neck muscles don't get tired easily.

Wearing The Right Shoes

If you are standing at your standing desk throughout the day, you may need to wear a good pair of professional shoes or casual shoes. This will enable you to stand up for longer periods without experiencing pain in your legs or feet. You may consider standing barefoot or standing with a pair of shoes that provide adequate arch support - take a look at our last article on whether to wear shoes at your standing desk to make the best decision for your needs.

Adjust the Height of the Standing Desk

If you are using a new standing desk, first make sure that you have your standing desk adjusted to the right height. When using your new standing desk, take breaks often and do not make common mistakes such as standing for too long. This will help to reduce pain as well as reduce back and neck problems while working. Taking short breaks to stand will also enable you to do light exercises such as rotating your body or stretching every once in a while when using a standing desk. This will also ensure that your body does not become stiff or sore while working.

Taking Breaks

Whether you've been sitting or standing, it's always advisable to take breaks throughout your work day. If you have been sitting or standing at your standing desk for some time, remind yourself to get up and go for a short walk after every 1–2 hours. This will help keep your body active, which will ensure that your back and neck do not become tired and cramped from long periods in the same position. It is also a good habit to do some stretching once in a while in order to relax tired muscles and joints in your back, neck and shoulders. If you'd like more information on whether you should be sitting or standing at your standing desk, check out our article on that topic.

Be Aware Of Your Wrist Position

Your wrist placement when sitting and standing should not be the same, but many people who are new to standing desks are often unaware of this important fact. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common occurrence among those who are desk-bound, and we as proponents of standing desks really want office workers to avoid this chronic condition that can cause a lot of pain and stress. Always ensure that your wrists are in an tilted upwards position and slightly extended when you're standing in a relaxed position in order to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome at your desk job. While sitting, on the other hand, your wrists should be in a neutral position with your wrists straight. Consider what's comfortable for you and be aware that your wrists should change position slightly whenever you're standing vs. sitting at your desk.

Footrests

Footrests can be hugely beneficial for those who prefer to have their feet slightly tilted when at rest, as well as for those with shorter legs who may need additional support in order to maintain ergonomic posture. Taking the pressure off your feet may be just what you need to attain comfort at your desk. An adjustable footrest can help your body rest at the ideal angle as well as support your back.

Maintain Proper Posture

To minimise pain in your back, neck and shoulders while sitting at the standing desk, you need to maintain proper posture as much as possible when working from a standing desk. The ideal posture while working at your new desk will help prevent pain over periods of sitting or standing. It will also ensure that you do not get tired or get shoulder pain easily while working. Always be conscious of slouching and correct your posture immediately if you notice that your body is leaning forward while you're sitting or standing at your desk. Over time, ergonomic posture will become second nature to you.

Properly Adjusted Computer Monitor

If you are working at a standing desk, your computer monitor needs to be set at the correct height and angle and positioned at your eye level. If your computer monitor is too high or low, then this can cause back pain as well as eye strain while working from a standing desk for extended periods. Similarly, if the monitor or laptop stand is not set at an appropriate angle, it can cause pain in your neck when it comes to viewing your monitor while craning your neck.

Therefore, a monitor arm or laptop stand is key when it comes to the ability to quickly and conveniently make monitor height adjustments for when you're spending your day sitting and standing. Monitor arms or a laptop stand will also ensure that your computer screen is at the right angle, enabling you to see what is on the monitor without straining your neck or back while working and contributing to your ideal ergonomic workspace.

Give Yourself Time To Adapt

Standing desks are often used by people who want to improve their health through a more active work day as well as strengthening muscles in their legs, arms and back. If you plan to use a standing desk for this purpose, don't get over-enthusiastic during your first standing and sitting work day. If you stand for too long during your first day with your new desk, it is likely that your body will suffer pain the next day, leading you to wonder what you're doing wrong and why your sit stand desk simply isn't as great as you thought it was when you purchased it. The key is to sit and stand for progressively longer periods each day as well as to be aware of when your body really just needs you to sit down and end the standing portion of your day in order to reduce pressure on your joints.

Over time, you'll be giving your body a chance to strengthen those little-used back and neck muscles and will be able to stand effortlessly for longer periods throughout the day without your body hurting.

Ultimately, standing desks are a great option for people who wish to stay healthy and fit while working. Using a standing desk correctly can help prevent poor posture while working while also helping you stay active by standing and sitting regularly throughout the day.

The benefits of using standing desks in a proper way vary; some users benefit from improving their posture, others from the increase in productivity. Standing desks have also successfully reduced back pain as part of their health benefits and long-term use of standing desks can help people with workplace ergonomic problems such as chronic pain from sitting disease. Try Desky's range of comfortable desks today and add some activity into your work day in order to improve your health!