So, you’ve taken the plunge and invested in a standing desk—or maybe you’re hovering over the “add to basket” button. Either way, congratulations! Standing desks are one of the best ways to upgrade your work-from-home or office setup. They’re not only good for posture but can also boost focus, energy, and even help you burn a few extra calories while working.
But here’s the thing: simply standing isn’t the secret to success. Using a standing desk the wrong way can leave you with sore feet, aching shoulders, or the sudden urge to crawl back to your sofa.
The good news? With a few clever tricks, you can get all the benefits without the discomfort. Here are our top tips for using a standing desk so you can feel your best while you work.
1. Start Slow – Don’t Ditch the Chair
If you’re new to standing desks, resist the temptation to stand all day straight away. It might feel heroic for the first hour, but trust us, your legs will soon stage a protest.
Instead, think of it like starting a new gym routine. Begin with short bursts of standing—say 30 minutes to an hour—and then return to your chair. Over time, you can increase the standing periods until you find a balance that feels right for you.
Here’s the important part: don’t ditch your chair altogether. A good ergonomic office chair is still essential for those times when you need to sit. Unlike a standard dining chair or kitchen stool, ergonomic chairs are designed to support your back, promote good posture, and reduce the risk of aches from long work sessions.
So, think of your standing desk and ergonomic chair as a team—they work best when used together. Sit for focused tasks, stand for creative bursts, and switch between the two to stay comfortable and healthy.
2. Perfect Your Posture
Standing desks aren’t a free pass to lean like the Tower of Pisa. Good posture makes all the difference.
Here’s a quick setup checklist:
- Monitor at eye level – so you’re not craning your neck.
- Elbows at 90 degrees – relaxed by your side.
- Shoulders back, hips aligned – no slouching or hip popping.
A good way to test? Imagine someone’s gently pulling a string from the top of your head—spine tall, shoulders loose. If you feel like a flamingo standing on one leg, something’s off.
3. Move, Don’t Just Stand Still
Standing still for hours can actually be just as tiring as sitting all day. The trick is movement. Shift your weight, take small steps, do some stretches, or pace during calls. Even little movements keep your circulation flowing and muscles happy.
One underrated tip? Use those short Teams or Zoom meetings as a chance to march gently on the spot. Or—if you’re brave enough—sneak in a little desk dance when your favourite tune comes on. Your body (and mood) will thank you.
4. Look After Your Feet
Your feet are the unsung heroes of standing desk life, and neglecting them is a fast track to fatigue. Supportive footwear is key, but the real game-changer? A standing desk mat.
These cushioned anti-fatigue mats reduce pressure on your joints, improve circulation, and make long standing sessions far more comfortable. Some even encourage subtle micro-movements, keeping you from stiffening up.
Think of it as giving your feet a soft, cosy carpet to stand on while they do all the hard work. Pair a mat with decent shoes, and you’ll last much longer on your feet without aches.
5. Set Smart Reminders with Tech (App-Connected Standing Desk)
When the day gets busy, it’s easy to forget to alternate between sitting and standing. That’s where tech comes in.
Our iLohas App-Connected Smart Standing Desk makes this ridiculously easy. With the companion app, you can:
- Set reminders to stand or sit.
- Save your favourite height presets (no more fiddling to find the “just right” spot).
- Adjust your desk height straight from your laptop, smart phone, or smart watch.
It’s like having a polite coach that gently nudges you: “Time to stand up now!” Without the faff of setting timers or relying on willpower, you’ll find it much easier to stay consistent.
If you want to take the guesswork out of healthy working, this is the smartest way to do it.
6. Stay Hydrated & Take Breaks
Here’s something many people forget: standing more means your body is working harder. That’s brilliant for your health, but it also means you’ll dehydrate faster.
Keep a big water bottle nearby and aim to sip regularly throughout the day. Not only will it keep your energy levels stable, but the inevitable bathroom breaks also give you a chance to move around—a win-win.
And don’t forget to step away from your desk completely now and then. A quick break to stretch, make a coffee, or even water the plants will refresh your mind and body.
7. Listen to Your Body
Standing desks are meant to make you feel better, not worse. If you notice aches in your lower back, shoulders, or knees, it’s a sign that something in your setup needs tweaking.
Don’t ignore the signals—adjust your desk height, check your monitor placement, or simply sit down for a while. Over time, you’ll find the sweet spot that keeps you productive and comfortable.
8. Make It Fun & Personal
Here’s an underrated tip: personalise your standing desk routine so it feels enjoyable. Maybe you like to stand while doing creative tasks, or perhaps it’s your go-to position for morning emails.
Pair your standing sessions with things you enjoy—listening to a podcast, playing upbeat music, or even using a smartwatch to track your movement. The more positive you make it, the more likely you’ll stick with it.
Final Thoughts
Standing desks can be transformative for your health, posture, and productivity—but only if you use them wisely. By starting slow, perfecting your posture, moving often, and treating your feet with care, you’ll unlock all the benefits without the discomfort. And if you want to take the stress out of remembering when to switch positions, our App-Connected Smart Standing Desk is the perfect partner.
Ready to build a healthier workspace? Explore our Standing Desks / Ergonomic Chairs / Standing Mat Collection and find the setup that suits your lifestyle.
