An electric standing desk is a great way to improve your productivity and comfort while working. Electric standing desks are adjustable, so you can customize your working environment to suit your needs. They also allow you to transition between sitting and standing positions easily and quickly. Additionally, electric standing desks can help to improve your posture and reduce musculoskeletal problems associated with sitting for long periods of time. However, it is important to set up your desk correctly to ensure maximum comfort and efficiency.
The following tips will help you set up your electric standing desk correctly:
1. Place your desk in a comfortable, ergonomic position. Your desk should be positioned so that you’re not hunched over or leaning to one side. It should be at a comfortable height for you to work at, and you should be able to reach all of your work surfaces easily. The ideal height when standing at a desk is about elbow level. And your screen should be at eye level or slightly below it.
2. Make sure your monitor is at the correct height. Your monitor should be at eye level, so you’re not straining your neck or eyes while working. If necessary, use a monitor stand or raise your monitor up on some books to achieve the correct height. It’s also important to have your monitor at the correct distance from your eyes. The general rule of thumb is to sit about arm’s length away from the screen.
3. Use a comfortable chair. It’s important to use a chair that supports your back and is comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. If you can, adjust the height of your chair so that your feet are flat on the ground and your thighs are parallel to the ground. If your feet don’t reach the ground, you can use a stool or phone book to support your feet and reduce the amount of stress on your back.
4. Maintain good posture. Sit up straight and keep your shoulders back. Avoid positioning your legs so that your knees are higher than your hips as this can put too much pressure on the knees. Rest your arms. Avoid resting your arms on the armrests for extended periods of time as this can cause your shoulders to hunch forward and cause neck pain. Instead, rest your arms on your lap until you need to use your computer keyboard.
5. Invest in a good keyboard and mouse. Using a comfortable, ergonomic keyboard and mouse will help to reduce strain on your wrists and hands. Look for a keyboard with a wrist rest, and make sure your mouse is positioned so that your arm is in a natural position. And don’t forget to give your wrists a break by taking periodic breaks from typing or mouse use.
6. Take breaks often. Standing for long periods of time can be tiring, so make sure to take breaks often. Get up and walk around every 20 minutes or so, and try to do some stretches throughout the day. The amount of standing and sitting should be alternated throughout the day. If you are sitting for long periods of time, make sure to adjust your position often and get up at least once an hour. If you are standing, make sure to adjust your position often and take a seat when you can. Avoid wearing high heels. High heels change the way you distribute your weight and can put unnecessary stress on your feet and legs. If you must wear high heels, do so for short periods of time and avoid wearing them every day.
6. Add accessories like cable management sleeves or boxes to your desk to help keep your cords and cables organized and out of the way. If you have a laptop, you may also want to consider adding a laptop stand to your desk to help keep your laptop at a comfortable working height. A tidy working area gives you more desk space and makes it easier to find things and motivates you to stay organized.
What should I do if I feel uncomfortable while using a standing desk?
If you feel discomfort while using a standing desk, try to find the cause of it and make adjustments accordingly. Like changing the amount of standing versus sitting and adjusting the height of your desk or monitor to avoid slouching. Also, make sure you have good posture and take breaks often to move around and stretch. If the discomfort persists, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate if there are any underlying health conditions that may be causing the discomfort.
By following these tips, you can set up your electric standing desk for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Written by:
Michelle Blando