The Ultimate Blogger Standing Desk

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The Standing Desk Transition

Today, I share with you how I’m going from sitting to stylishly standing. We’re going to talk about my experiment with an adjustable standing desk, why you need one and how awesome they are!

But first, a little back story on why an adjustable standing desk is so important for my work/life style.

I don’t think I’ve ever divulged this information but… I’m a workaholic. I love to work. Not busy bee work, but completing tasks and activities that add up to a larger picture, accomplishments. Reaching these milestones in projects drives me. Don’t worry though, I won’t die at my desk because Peter convinces me to set aside time to recharge, relax, and not do anything, which is odd because Peter enjoys working as well.

I recently took the Gallups Strengths Test and I discovered that focus and achiever are two of my strengths. So basically, when I’m very focused at achieving things I feel the most enjoyment because I’m exercising my strengths. This ties directly into my work, both good and bad. Good because lots of things get done. Bad because I don’t take a break. It’s hard for me to pull away from the computer.

I’ve always been extremely focused on achieving my goals. In college, I always took the maximum units and was the type of student that even took summer classes to get more of my courses completed. I finished my bachelors, a minor and certificate in 4 years. Some people have told me that this was crazy and you might think it’s a bit too much, but it’s just me.

Now, this focus is on my responsibilities as a blogger and digital agency President, which has me on my computer for majority of my day.

Sometimes 10+ hours a day.

For most, being on a computer generally means sitting. Sitting without getting up and taking a break can be very bad for your health. These prolonged periods of computer usage also attributes to the stress you may feel in your shoulders, like I do.

So this brings me back to the emphasis of today’s post. I want to share with you how I’m addressing this sitting problem.

The Problems with Sitting For Too Long

Sitting around for long periods of time is generally not good for your energy, health, and overall productivity. There has been plenty of research to show that prolonged sitting can lead to many negative effects on our health.

So you may be wondering what’s so bad about sitting?

If your day has you sitting for 6 hours or longer your risk of dying of heart disease increases by 64%. Your overall risk of prostate or breast cancer increases 30%. You have an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. If the extended sitting continues you’re shaving off valuable years of your life. (Source)

This is scary stuff.

When you sit your body uses very little energy, the electrical activity in your muscles flat line. You’re basically powering down your body. Your body no longer produces lipoprotein lipase and other molecules that are released when you’re up and walking around. You’re heart rate, levels of good cholesterol, and calorie burn all drop. When these vital molecules drop your body suffers.

Not to mention, slouching in your chairs, decreased interested and focus.

So how can all of these terrible consequences from sitting in a chair be stopped? Switch to a standing desk or, what I prefer, an adjustable standing desk.

The Positive Impacts of a Standing Desk

Besides the reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease there are also some other positive side effects.

More energy! You can’t get lazy at your desk while you’re standing! You’re mind is more alert, your body is moving and your blood flowing. Also, with your muscles engaged you’re more alert.

Your posture will improve since your back muscles are engaged. Your shoulders will be less tense (after 2 weeks mine are) and since you can’t slouch while standing you’ll have terrific posture!

Since you’ll have increased focus on your work you’ll also become more productive.

The Awesome and Easily Adjustable Vertdesk

Let me state this clearly, I’m not saying you need to stand all day.

That is hard, I know. While I was in high school I took my first summer job at a local pharmacy and I stood for over 8 hours. I was dead tired by the end of the day. Like sitting, you shouldn’t stand all day. Making the transition to a full-time standing desk is a challenge, your knees or feet will get fatigued.

Therefore, you need to find your perfect middle ground of time spent standing vs sitting.

Find the balance that is right for you. It takes some getting used to but you’ll find yourself getting more comfortable standing for longer and longer periods of time.

To get the best of both worlds an adjustable standing desk is your best bet.

I use the VertDesk™ Electric Adjustable Height Desk and love it. With a click of a button, I can stand in the morning and sit in the afternoon or vise-versa. This is how I started out and I recommend you do the same.

There are a couple of things to keep-in-mind when searching and investing in a standing desk.

• I recommend an adjustable standing desk, you’ll then have the option to sit and stand whenever you want. With a push of a button it’s up or down! It’s fantastic!
• For the best ergonomic positioning your arms need to be at 90 degrees. Adjust the desk so it’s perfect for your height. For example, check out my arm position in the standing and sitting photo.
• Consider getting a soft pad to stand on for extra cushioning so your feet won’t hurt either. As you can see in the photos, I stand with my shoes off instead of my heels.
• Standing takes getting used to so don’t give up, commit to the change. Getting an adjustable desk doesn’t mean you should only stand for an hour and sit for the rest – don’t cheat yourself.
• Just like investing in a quality handbag or essential pair of shoes. Invest in your standing desk! It is something you’re going to use every work day! If you blog on your spare time and have a full-time job you’ll use it even more so! More than a handbag, a standing desk is an investment in yourself! In your health! So don’t make some DIY makeshift thing that you’ll give up on. Take a stand for your health.

I hope this has given you light into the dangers of sitting your life away.

Sitting too much is a topic that we as active busy people can easily overlook because it doesn’t feel like it’s that bad. But as it builds up over time and can have some serious effects on the quality of your life.

I would love to hear from you! Have you thought about getting a standing desk, or the adjustable VertDesk?

Let me know if you have any questions – I’m happy to answer any of them!

Stand Stylishly,
-V

P.S. I’m not doctor, so make sure standing is right for you by consulting your primary care physician. Everyone is different.

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VertDesk™ Electric Sit Stand Desk gifted by Beyond the Office Door