Our bodies are not made for standing for too long. Blood will pool and our vasculature constricts in our lower extremities. Movement related activities such as walking allow our muscles to move blood around our legs and hips but standing for a prolonged period of time strains our muscles, joints, and spine, causing fatigue, discomfort, and a risk of varicose veins. Blood pooling in the legs affects circulation and decreased the performance of our lymphatic system. Standing too much can also lead to foot problems as well. Therefore, it is important to set a balanced routine of sitting, standing, and moving in order to stay healthy.
Standing at your workstation can be good for your body by stretching muscles that are normally kept shorted when seated. It can prevent these muscles from tensing up. This muscle tension influences your overall posture. So standing frequently for 10 – 30 minutes is recommended every hour or every other hour. Just don’t overdo it because too much standing can also be bad for you too. Standing and working at a computer workstation is still considered sedentary and therefore you will still want to move. So get away from your workstation and walk around as much as possible throughout the day. Remember that frequency is more important than intensity or duration.
Think of creative ways to get movement throughout the day. Movement helps blood flow which then in turn helps replenish muscles and boost recovery. This will guard against a repetitive strain injury or RSI. Also, stretching does the same thing. By stretching and flexing muscles, you are helping to loosen them to allow for improved blood flow and energy. Make it a thing to stand for a short period every hour but also move by getting away from your workstation. Possibly go get some water in a small glass so that you have to continuously go and refill the glass. It will give you the needed hydration you need as well. It can also encourage unforeseen bathroom breaks too which is going to be considered another movement break. So set a timer on your computer, watch, or phone and make sure you are taking the necessary positional changes and movement breaks throughout the workday.
By following these tips, you can make your standing workstation better, reduce discomfort, and improve your well-being and productivity during work.
If you are struggling while working at your workstation you need a professional consultation with a specialist. Click the link and schedule now with local ergonomic trainer from ERGOBILITY.
