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Practically any office job requires you to spend many hours sitting in front of a computer. But even if you don’t necessarily work with a computer, sitting for a long time is the norm in an office. The drawback of this type of work is the hazards to your health. Scientists have found a link between a sedentary lifestyle and a greater risk of developing diseases like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
To remain more active and healthy during your working hours, you can use an automated table (also known as a standing desk). The idea behind it is simple. An automated table is equipped with lifting towers, which lift or drop the desktop to the preferred height of the worker. The said lifting towers are electromechanical devices that provide up-down linear motion.
An automated table allows you to stand while you work. In such a position, your body burns more calories. You can also stretch, move around, and do other activities. These automated tables are available in different sizes, styles, and designs. You can place one in corner to optimize the utilization of your office space.
Nowadays, most automated tables are electric. It means that the lifting columns of the table are powered by electric motors. Although an automated table won’t solve all your health problems, it will lower the harmful effects of sitting for too long. How can it do it? Why should you seriously consider buying an automated table to work? Read on and find it out.
1. A Lower Risk of Developing Obesity
The reality is that you don’t burn many calories while you sit. So, if you take in more calories than you burn every day, the inevitable result is weight gain. Exercising is the most effective to prevent weight gain and obesity. But if you don’t have much time to visit the gym every day, you can simply stand while you work. An average adult person can burn an extra 170 kcal by standing instead of sitting for 6 hours. Combined with regular exercise, an automated table is your best ally to keep your weight under control.
2. Lower Risk of Having High Blood Sugar Levels
After each meal, your blood sugar level usually increases. However, if you sit or lay down to rest after a meal, the blood sugar level you reach will be much higher. Such a phenomenon can be risky to your health if you suffer from diabetes. An automated table can protect you from high blood sugar levels by allowing you to stand after having lunch at work.
3. Lower Risk of Developing Heart Disease
The higher risk of heart disease from extended sitting has been documented for the first time several decades ago. It was found that the risk of heart disease was higher on bus drivers that use to spend a large part of the day sitting. Over the years, scientists have been gaining a better understanding of the connection between sitting and the risk of heart disease. Now, it is known that prolonged sedentary time can lead to a 147% increase in the risk of heart disease. Standing and moving around during working hours help to reduce that risk.
4. Less Back and Neck Pain
One of the most common health problems in office workers is chronic back pain. Sometimes, neck pain is also a problem. In most cases, the cause of this pain is a bad sitting posture. While an ergonomic chair can partly solve the problem, standing will do much more to get rid of back and neck pain. Several studies involving office workers using regular and standing desks have demonstrated the benefits of the latter. For example, alternating between sitting and standing during work can reduce back and neck pain by 54% within a month.
5. Better Mood and a Positive Mental Attitude
You may find it surprising but you can improve your mental health by using an automated table. Several studies have compared the levels of stress of office workers before and after using automated desks. The results have demonstrated that the levels of stress and anxiety reduce in workers standing for some hours at work. A positive mental attitude has a direct impact on the productivity of an office worker. So, it is not surprising that office workers that use standing desks are more productive.
Other Activities to Protect Your Health While Working
It is undeniable that an automated table can protect your health from several ailments. But an automated table is just one part of the solution. Here are some tips:
- Get up and move around regularly;
- Give your eyes a break from the computer screen;
- Keep a supply of healthy snacks on your desk.
With all these actions, you will be able to stay healthy in your office job.
Author:
Hayley Mann is a technology enthusiast specializing in automation methods of ergonomics devices. Her engineering background helps her to create interesting articles on technical topics, making them understandable for all readers.
