There is no denying that mindset is everything when it comes to life, more so in the workplace. Take the example of two people who work the same job yet have very different beliefs, attitudes, and assumptions about their work and the workplace in general. These differences will be evident in the effort they put into their work, how eager they are to show up at work, how they relate to their colleagues, and various other aspects. Wouldn’t we be correct to assume that the person with a positive mindset would be most likely to enjoy their work, succeed at it, and perhaps even score a promotion? If we made this assumption, our expectations would align with the various studies that have proven as much. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that using a standing desk can actually play a role in mindset! Let’s see how this plays out.
The Standing Desk and Your Mindset – What’s the Link?
The body-brain connection is so strong that your physical state will ultimately affect how alert and empowered you feel, especially at work. So, can using a standing desk change things for the better?
It Makes You More Optimistic
In the last few years, most workplace employers and employees have made the transition to standing desks. Naturally, sites like https://desktronic.co.uk/ have increased their product options to match this growing demand and offer user-friendly designs suited for all workspaces. But have these desks resulted in happier people?
Why, yes! Think of it in this way. When you are tired, you are likely to entertain draining thoughts. But when you have energy, you cannot help but think clearly and focus more on positive things. Using a standing desk pushes you to engage your muscles more, which results in better blood circulation, thus feeding the brain with more oxygen. You start feeling more energetic, and you can’t help but spread the positivity, be it by being kinder to your colleagues or finishing that project that’s been on your desk for weeks.
It Helps You Release Some Stress
Let’s face it. We live in a world where we have hundreds of things to fit into a 24-hour cycle. We juggle work, families, health, and tons of other things that always seem to require our immediate attention. The result? – Many people are burned out and barely keeping up with their responsibilities.
So, can a standing desk help? Sure! When you use a standing desk, your body engages in micro movements, such as pacing, shifting your weight, and stretching. While these movements may be subtle and unconscious, they have a significant effect on your well-being. Each time you move, you release some stress from your body. And after an hour of micro movements, you feel much lighter, and all those urgent tasks no longer seem like such an uphill climb.
It Makes You More Confident
After years of prolonged sitting, many people develop poor postures where they slouch their shoulders, lean forward, and barely engage their cores. Aside from the negative health outcomes that can result from these positions, there is also the issue of mindset. The more slouched and unengaged your body is, the more likely your brain is to be passive.
Using a standing desk correctly requires you to stand tall, align your screen with your eye level, match your elbows to the desk surface at a 90-degree angle, and straighten your neck and back. While this is primarily a way to protect you from muscle aches, it also doubles as a confidence booster. Your brain considers this stance as one of empowerment and acts as much – researchers have been known to call this the “embodied cognition,” which may explain why so many teachers emphasise correct posture in young children.
It Makes You More Decisive
Have you struggled with making decisions in the workplace? Various studies show that by increasing the blood flow to your brain, you not only beat brain fog but also start feeling more present and in control. And with this increased focus, making decisions becomes a walk in the park, even during that post-lunch slump!
