Stand up desks and creating an active workspace Energize with Lizzie Podcast

Welcome to the Energize with Lizzie podcast.
If you are after an easy way to sit less and move more in your workday, you are in the right place. Let's go!
The modern workspace makes it easy to sit and sit and sit. Imagine your typical setup, the desk adorned with neatly organized items, everything conveniently within arm's reach. Your computer sits prominently, the screen glowing with endless tasks and distractions. Your chair is comfortable and seemingly moulding to your body shape, making it hard to resist. The water bottle sitting on your desk ensures you never have to leave your seat for a drink. And why bother getting up for a phone call when your trusty device rests right next to your keyboard, always ready to connect you with the world. Oh, and let's not forget about the messaging app that keeps you glued to your screen, chatting away with colleagues without ever needing to rise from your seat.
It's as if the workspace itself conspires to keep you firmly planted in a sedentary cocoon.
Wendy Wood is a distinguished social psychologist whose research has shed light on the fascinating field of habits and behaviour. In Good Habits, Bad Habits, Wood uncovers a crucial insight into human behaviour and habit formation using the example of smoking, which was widely accepted back in the day. Though many people were aware of its detrimental health effects, this knowledge alone wasn't enough to drastically reduce smoking rates. Despite the awareness of the risks, individuals struggled to quit this addictive habit.
The turning point came when society took action to change the environment surrounding smoking. Smoking bans were enforced in public places such as restaurants, bars and workplaces. Suddenly, smokers faced restrictions and the convenience of lighting up in various settings vanished.
Smoking became harder. It required smokers to go outside and find designated areas to indulge in their habit. This changed the way people were able to smoke. This transformation of the environment had a profound impact on smoking behaviour. The harmful habit was no longer as convenient and individuals found it more challenging to smoke without facing obstacles. As a result, smoking rates dramatically decreased, leading to a healthier, smoke -free environment.
Now let's apply this powerful concept to the modern challenge of prolonged sitting in the workplace. Similar to smoking, prolonged sitting is a habit many have developed over time. Although we know excessive sitting is detrimental to our health, breaking free from this sedentary routine can be tough. The typical work environment is meticulously crafted for convenience, making it effortless to stay seated, immersing yourself in work while unintentionally neglecting your body's need for movement. However, just as policymakers change the environment to discourage smoking, we can change our workspace to encourage movement.
As you design your active work hub, you're crafting an environment that opposes sedentary habits while also championing your overall wellbeing. Taking even a single step towards an active workspace holds a measurable value because progress in any form is a significant stride toward a healthier and more invigorated work life.
By modifying your workspace and introducing elements that encourage movement, you can create an environment that supports your wellbeing and energizes you throughout the day. You can strategically design your workspace to be an active environment. You can create a work hub that promotes regular moments of movement and makes sitting for extended periods less convenient.
In this episode of The Energize with Lizzie Podcast, discover five simple principles that will help you transform your desk into an active work hub.
Links:
The Active Workday Advantage: Unlock your most energised, engaged and happy self at work. On sale now online or ask your local bookstore. https://www.lizziewilliamson.com/book
Micro Moves Desk Cards: 40+ micro moves to bust fatigu