There is no doubt that technology has changed the 'normal' way of life and made living more fun and easier. From the education sector, where e-learning is replacing traditional teaching methods to transport, food and healthcare, many new innovations have made our lives easier. Today, there are wearable technologies and apps that you can use to track your health, giving you the motivation that you need to eat right and exercise regularly. There are also new developments in the workplace, such as standing desks, which people use to live healthier and happier lives. How can standing desks help you lead a healthier lifestyle? We look at that in this article and other innovations that can help you improve your health as you go on with your day-to-day activities.
Standing desks are not so new in the corporate world, but unlike some years back, they have become more popular as people become more aware of the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle.
Health Benefits of using a standing desk
1. Reduced back pain
One of the causes of back pain is poor sitting posture. We spend most of our time seated, and when the chairs are not so comfortable, we hunch over the computer screen. Hunching over for long periods can affect your posture, leading to back pain. However, with a standing desk, you are less likely to hunch over.
2. Lower blood sugar levels
Unlike sitting, standing speeds up metabolism, and your metabolism rate affects your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. This means that when you are standing, your body can convert what you eat into energy much faster, which can help you manage your blood sugar.
3. It helps improve energy levels and mood
Feeling sluggish after sitting in one position for long periods is natural. The 'boredom' that comes with doing an almost similar task for extended periods can suck the energy out of you, which is one of the reasons it is advisable to stand between sessions or anytime you feel bored. Using a standing desk can help improve your energy levels and mood as you have the space even to do simple stretches when working.
4. It helps with weight loss and is an excellent way of fighting lifestyle diseases such as type diabetes which is linked to prolonged sitting.
Standing has been found to help burn more calories than sitting. In one hour, a standing person can burn up to 9 calories more than another just seated. This is because sitting slows down metabolism. Unlike someone standing, you don't use up much energy when you are seated, and your body will burn fewer calories.Other technologies you can use to support a healthy lifestyle at work or home include adjustable bed bases, desk bikes, desk converters, and ergonomic chairs.
Adjustable bed bases
Adjustable bed bases are a great innovation that can help improve blood circulation and help you get a good night's sleep, especially for someone who struggles with sleep apnea or asthma.
Sleeping on an elevated surface for someone with asthma or sleep apnea lowers the chances of getting an attack as it reduces nasal and postnasal drip, which can lead to mucus in the chest. But sleeping on an elevated surface or using adjustable bed bases is not only beneficial to those struggling with asthma or sleep apnea.
Anyone can use an adjustable bed frame to help you get through the night more comfortably. Adjustable bed bases help improve digestion and are a great way to reduce back pain as they offer multiple comfort levels.
Adjustable bed bases also help reduce swelling for those who have swelling due to bodily fluid retention. The FlexiSpot Adjustable Bed Base S3 has a Head Inline: 0-60°; Foot Incline: 0-35°; Queen and Twin XL Size. The bed base can comfortably carry a weight of up to 600lbs and has a stable frame and sturdy legs.
Ergonomic office chairs
Ergonomic office chairs are another way to lead a healthier lifestyle. Most of us spend 8 hours a day in the workplace, and if you have a desk job, those eight hours are observed seated. With an uncomfortable seat, it can be damaging to sit for long hours and can lead to back problems, swelling of the legs, or even weight gain.
An ergonomic office chair is much more comfortable compared to the 'traditional' chairs. The seat has adjustable lumbar support and armrest. The chairs also have sufficient padding to help support the hips and reduce stress and pressure.
The bottom line
Technology is both good and bad for a healthy lifestyle. It just depends on your viewpoint. For instance, too much screen time has been linked to psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and poor sleep.
On the other hand, innovations like standing desks, desk bikes, and adjustable bed bases can help you lead a healthier lifestyle and prevent some of the risks associated with an inactive lifestyle. If you are looking to start your health journey, FlexiSpot has some crazy offers on these products.
