Mental Health Benefits
Aside from the physical benefits, standing desks also have a powerful impact on your mind. Sitting at your desk for long periods of time has also been linked to increased risk of cognitive decline and poor mental focus. A recent study found that those who sit for long periods during the day had thinner medial temporal lobes, which can be an early sign of cognitive decline and dementia in middle-aged and older adults.
In addition to this, a number of other clinical studies have shown that sitting for long periods of time results in a decreased level of physical activity and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This means that your brain is being deprived of oxygen and blood flow, which negatively affects short-term memory, concentration and focus. It also leaves you more vulnerable to mental issues like anxiety and depression.
So, if you’re tired of feeling lethargic, distracted and unable to focus at work or home, then standing up more often can do more than improve your body. It can also help you feel more refreshed mentally too!
Financial Benefits
A common misconception about standing desks is that they are expensive. Although the upfront cost of standing desks can be a little pricey compared to some traditional desk setups, the compounding benefits of investing into your health are worth the cost. However, there are also some direct financial benefits to standing desks too!
A recent study conducted by VicHealth and the National Health and Medical Research Council found that giving standing desks to 20 percent of office workers would save $84 million in healthcare costs and 7,492 health-adjusted life years by preventing obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, according to the first evaluation in Australia.
We hear so many stories about business owners and individuals who resist buying a standing desk because of the cost. But according to Lan Gao, Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Deakin University, the savings derived from standing up at work would offset the cost of making the switch from sit-down desk setups.
“Up until now a barrier to their widespread introduction has been the perceived prohibitive cost,” Dr Gao said, in a recent interview with the ABC
“So far there has not been any published evidence of the cost-effectiveness of such workstations, particularly when coupled with the associated education and support that is needed to help ensure their uptake and sustained use.
“So ours is the first Australian study to show these interventions are good value for money.”
Business owners could save money on having to cover sick leave for employees who take time off for chronic back pain, migraines or other health issues that can be exacerbated by sit-down desks. Whereas people who work from home or for themselves won’t have to take time off without pay for similar reasons. In other words, standing desks aren’t just good for your mind and body, they’re good for your bank account as well.
So, are standing desks good for you?
It’s a resounding yes and the sole reason why we are passionate about our products. Standing desks are good for you and a superb investment into your physical and mental health.
If you can spend a little more upfront, the cost savings over the course of your wellbeing are unfounded. In particular, if you’re looking to reduce your risk of chronic illness or want to increase your energy level, better focus and overall productivity, then investing in a standing desk could be the right choice for you.
Get started on building a happier, healthier and more productive future by exploring our range of bamboo standing desks available in 3 gorgeous colours. Or, contact us on 1800 905 107 to speak with our experts further about how our standing desks operate.
