How Long Should You Stand at a Standing Desk?

The benefits of a standing desk are well known in an office space for a long time. They are the major ergonomic shift in a modern workplace where people are recommended to spend their work day in an organized schedule between sitting and standing. But what is the best way to use a standing desk, and when it comes to standing, how long should you stand at a standing desk so you aren't tired or have sore feet at the end of the day?

This one question lingers around the mind of many and may cause you to worry about shifting to this change of working while standing. However, along with the standing desk accessories that make your standing experience more comfortable, there are also several findings to plan your workday around sitting and standing.

So to answer the question of how long you should stand a day, this article will help you have better insight into the sit-stand schedule.

How Many Hours Should You Stand a Day?

Defined as the new smoking and a slow cause of death, sitting for long hours harms health in many ways. A standing desk is a versatile solution to enjoy the benefits of working while standing. And given the ability of a height-adjustable small standing desk to move from sitting to standing position, you can divide your work day between subsequent sitting and standing minutes. Below is a guideline on how long to stand at a desk to reap the maximum benefits of working while standing.

How Long Should You Stand A Day During Work?

The time a person should work while standing depends on various factors and vary from person to person. Also, it depends on how long you have been using a standing desk to become used to working while standing. It is recommended to stand for 10-15 minutes every hour to get the maximum productivity level and enjoy the ergonomic benefits of working while standing.

Another research states that being on your feet (moving or standing) for around 2 hours out of an 8-hour working day shift is recommended. And the best way to plan your day is to divide your time around sitting, standing, and moving. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't be at your desk for most of the day in order to keep your workday healthy.

It is important to remember that standing time includes other daily activities, such as trips to the coffee maker or lunch table, walks about the building or workplace, and quick stretching breaks. All of it also qualifies as standing. Simply said, having a standing desk helps you achieve your entire objective. Below we have listed some tips on how to use a standing desk healthily.

Avoid Standing for Too Long

Just as sitting for too long has its health risks, standing for too long isn't ideal for the body either. Standing for prolonged periods, especially when you are new to a standing desk, can cause many problems like lower back pain, thigh pain, and sore feet. Also, for people who already suffer from back-related issues, using a standing desk for more than 10 minutes at a time isn't an ideal way to work.

Use a Standing Desk Support

Standing on your feet directly on the floor exerts a lot of reaction force which can hurt your sole. Also, this pain can extend to the calf muscles and limbs and so on. Hence standing desk support is the ideal way to begin working with a standing desk. There are many helpful, standing desk accessories, such as a standing desk mat or balance board for standing desk, which add an ergonomic aspect to your experience of working while standing. If you're barefoot on a hardwood or tile floor and your feet ordinarily feel sticky, painful, or ache, a standing desk board or mat will feel like in-soles for your feet.

Find the Ergonomic Height

Using a standing desk is tricky in many ways, and as the first one is the learning curve, the other issues include adjusting the desk to an ergonomic height for every individual. Ensure your portable standing desk is adjusted to an ergonomic height for you. When using a sit-stand desk, the ideal height is keeping your arms at a 45 degrees angle. Ensure your eye level meets the screen level, and there is no neck tilting or raising while working.

Start with a Simple Schedule

It is important to start forming comfortable habits for you to get into the curve of your DIY standing desk. Try to use your predictability if you have a regular work schedule. Try to always stand during meetings if they happen frequently. It will improve your posture and how you seem on camera.

You could even experience a mental awakening. Start your day standing if that's how you choose to do it. Then attempt that if you wish to stand after lunch, as it will help with digestion after eating. Especially if your standing and sitting alternation correspond with certain duties that are a part of your work day, it's excellent to get into a habit and stay with it for a few weeks.

Get an Ergonomic Chair

You will sit for a certain portion of your day, even when using a standing desk. So what's the point if you throw away all the ergonomic work by settling for an uncomfortable, painful chair? Hence, pairing your standing desk with an adjustable ergonomic chair is important to keep you comfortable during sitting hours. A standing desk ergonomic stool is also a wonderful choice for a compact setup.

How Often Should You Stand Up from Your Desk?

Despite finding all the rules and laws of using a standing desk and tips on attaining the ergonomic working position while standing, it is still important to balance when to stand and when to switch to sitting. A rule of thumb is to alternate your entire workday between 30 minutes of standing and 30 minutes of sitting every hour. This will help you remain active, on the move and prevent your body from falling ill to fatigue.