A new study has found that standing desks aren’t as healthy as they seem. An expert reveals the best habits to add to your day instead. Sitting down for most of the day is obviously bad for us, known to raise our risk of weight gain, cancer and even an early death.
However, it’s largely unavoidable for those of us with desk-based jobs. However, raised desks, hailed as an easy solution as they allow employees to work while standing up, may actually pose more problems. A study by the University of Sydney found that standing does not lower the risk of heart and vascular issues, and may even increase the chance of developing circulation problems such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis.
Professor Brendon Stubbs, a researcher in movement and mental wellbeing at King’s College London, says the emphasis should be on incorporating movement and other healthy habits into our working day. “Each habit can contribute to positive mental health and the more people do, especially over time, the greater the physical and mental health benefits,” he says. Here, he shares his top tips.
.