The Hidden Benefits Of A Standing Desk

We’ve often discussed the health benefits of standing desks and how to get into the routine. Ben over at Pitch Dreams offers up another benefit: you’ll feel more engaged and focused while working. Here’s why.

Photo by Loic LeMeur

When Ben switched to a standing desk, he initially did it because of the health risks associated with being sedentary. Over time, he discovered that he was beginning to feel more energised and more actively engaged with the things he was doing. He describes it like this:

Something about standing keeps me more engaged. My mind wanders less and for some reason I feel a bit more energised to work even though in reality my legs are fairly tired. So what gives? It is a question I’ve been pondering even before I set up my standing desk. When I was working with a pair of guys who had standing desks I always found myself more effective standing at their desks. Standing somehow always seemed to motivate my senses in some way.

I think I finally found the answer in this TED talk by Amy Cuddy — Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are (& how to create confidence and influence out of thin air). I’ll summarize but basically, your body produces more testosterone and less Cortisol by positioning yourself in certain, “Power Poses”.

Amy scientifically proved that standing in these poses for as little as two minutes could be enough to make noticeable change in your physiology. The standing desk by definition naturally positions you in one of these power poses which is why I think the standing desk is so effective at subconsciously changing my work habits.

We’ve discussed the topic of power poses as well, noting they can reduce stress and build confidence. If you do decide to try a standing desk, the benefits of using one may go beyond just getting you up and moving around a bit more often, and that’s a good thing.

Hidden Benefit of Standing [Pitch Dreams via Hacker News]