The transition from sitting to standing up at work

We’re huge advocates of standing up at work. Whether you work from home or from an office, joining the vertical revolution, transitioning from sitting to standing, and changing your work dynamic can have its perks. Take a look at our blog post, 10 Ways to reduce sitting time at work.

Recently, we interviewed our founder Shay to talk about how to work at a standing desk and some of the reasons why people should commit to standing at work. So, if you’re wondering how long it takes to master the art of working while vertical, keep reading to find out.

Hi Shaye, what’s it like to work while standing up?

Hello. Well, at this point, it's quite comfortable as it's become an everyday normality; I'm not even aware I'm doing it anymore. Standing up at work just feels natural.

I feel more productive, less distracted and can fully focus on the task at hand, no matter how big or complex it may be. I find it easier to get things done, and as a result, I do more.

The afternoon lull is barely noticeable anymore and I find myself to be more proactive due to the alertness I feel from standing up - no one would fall asleep standing up; well most of us wouldn't, anyway.

Great, and could you explain the transition from sitting down to standing up at work?

To be honest, days one and two are hard - but it does get easier, fast. Within a couple of weeks, it's like you've been standing up at work your whole life.

Initially, you feel aches and pains in places you've never had before, and it makes you feel quite tired. But it's just adjustment, that's all.

It's a matter of committing to standing and knowing that like any new habit or notion, getting used to it will be tough for the first couple of days. When you adopt a new habit, your mind and body take around 21 days to adapt fully, but once you do it's all plain sailing. As a result, I have never looked back.

Could you give us some tips to make the adjustment period easier?

Of course. 

Always keep your screen at eye level and keep your elbows at 90 degrees from the angle of your hips to promote the ideal standing desk posture.

In those first few days, don't stand for prolonged periods. For every two hours, you sit, stand for one hour. Call it a weaning period, if you will.

Change your foot position and the weight distribution of your feet regularly, and never view standing at work as a substitute for physical activity and a good diet.

And last but not least, what made you want to stand up at work?

I looked at myself one day and thought about how I could improve my productivity, comfort and wellbeing on workdays. I was tired, drained and struggling to achieve.

Besides eating well, staying hydrated and taking regular screen breaks, I realised there were other small adjustments I could make to improve my situation - I soon discovered that moving from sitting and standing up at work was one of them and it brings numerous health benefits such as improved posture, weight loss and reduced risk of heart disease.

By trying the standing method and reducing sitting, I realised that this one big change equated to several small changes, all of which made me feel better and produce more while at work.

And so my journey, our journey, began...

Thanks, Shaye, it's been enlightening. To take those first few steps towards standing at work, visit the HumbleWorks store and see what we can do for you.