Are the Long Office Hours Taking Their Toll? – Consider Getting a Desk Riser

Computers are the most commonly used devices today by many people whose jobs revolve around writing, designing, and research. But the prolonged use of the computer, typing and mousing for many hours while in bad sitting posture can put pressure on many body parts and cause a lot of strain. This can result in discomfort and pain in the neck, shoulders, wrists and even blurry vision. However, there are ways in which you can make your workday in front of the computer more comfortable and pain free and getting an ergonomic desk riser is one of them.

As many claim, sitting for long hours can be extremely detrimental to your health, maybe even more than smoking. An inactive lifestyle and sitting for a large portion of the day can lead to a weight gain which can later result in more serious health issues like diabetes and hearth problems. That being said, a desk riser can solve most of the issues related to setting as it lets you alternate between sitting and standing.

A desk riser can quickly convert your tabletop into a healthy sit-stand workstation. All you need to do is simply place the riser on an open surface and you’re ready to work. They are easy to use and set-up, especially the electronic options – with a single touch of a button, you can change the height and your position. Plus, some feature monitor arm attachments that let you adjust the height and the position of your monitor. Also, you can use the space underneath it for storing some of your personal stuff or documents.

By investing in a desk riser, apart from improving your posture and your health, you can also increase the level of your productivity. Feeling physical pain from sitting in a bad posture can negatively impact your mental health as well. When you are in pain you feel tired and drained, which makes you less able to work quickly and be effective. Bad desks can make you feel nervous, cranky and distracted – after all who can concentrate 100% on their work if their desk is too low or too high? That is why encouraging healthier work practices and investing in a desk riser can also lead to maximising productivity.

But be mindful though, the sit-stand desks are designed with the intention for you to change your position often. Much like sitting, prolonged standing can also take its toll and be bad for your health. Prolonged standing has been linked to a lot of health issues among which aricose veins, night cramps, clogged arteries and back pain being the most common.

In order to use a desk riser properly, make sure you alternate your position every 30 minutes. But this is not that strict of a rule since everything is individual and the positions changing can also be limited by some health issues you might have. You can for instance turn to an ergonomic expert that can evaluate the workplace and help you set your workstation properly. There are many companies today that have these internal experts who are trained in how to use and set up ergonomic solutions and accessories like keyboards, anti-fatigue mats and lighting to meet each person’s needs.

On a final note, remember that what’s best for the body is not to sit or stand, but to move. For instance, just the act of getting up and down can burn more calories than sitting or standing. That is why you need to make sure you take frequent breaks. Whenever possible, try walking with your colleagues for a meeting, rather than sitting in a conference room or always choose to take the stairs, not the elevator. If your workplace includes a breakout area, try to take short frequent breaks to just unwind your mind from work, connect with other colleagues and relax for a couple of minutes.