Originally posted on https://www.uncagedergonomics.com/blog/is-fidgeting-at-your-desk-good-for-you-what-the-research-says/

The average worker is productive for just 2 hours and 53 minutes of an eight-hour workday.

This lack of productivity may be due to stress, difficulty concentrating and focusing on the task at hand, or even other factors like chatty coworkers and uncomfortable office furniture.

Looking for a surprising way to improve your creativity, your overall workflow, and your productivity as an employee or manager?

If so, then you might be surprised to learn that fidgeting while you’re at your desk is the answer you’ve been looking for.

Put down the energy drinks and the endless cups of coffee and read on to learn more about the mental and physical health benefits of fidgeting at the office.

Research-Backed Fidgeting Health Benefits

Recent research is abuzz about the fact that sitting for long periods of time has been linked to an early death, a higher potential for heart disease and diabetes, and even an increased risk of blood clots.

However, when you’re at the office, it can be almost impossible to get up and away from your desk every 15-30 minutes (and your boss likely wouldn’t be too thrilled with it, either.)

Fidgeting is a much more realistic — and, according to this study, just as effective — option as standing and walking when it comes to lowering your risk for early mortality, increasing blood flow in the legs, and even preventing arterial decline.

Plus, those who fidget at their desks burned about 350 more calories throughout the day than those who didn’t.

Mental Fidgeting Advantages

Fidgeting doesn’t just make you physically healthier — it also improves your mental health and concentration at work and elsewhere.

This is because studies show that fidgeting increases your body’s production of dopamine and norepinephrine — two natural chemicals that help you to focus, have a longer attention span, and increase productivity. (In fact, many ADHD medications are designed to stimulate the creation of these chemicals.)

Fidgeting also engages the part of your brain that’s responsible for more boring tasks — meaning the part that’s the most likely to get distracted. When you give that segment of your brain something to do (a process known as “floating attention”) you’ll be able to focus more on the task at hand.

Even the repetitive motions of fidgeting can help to improve memory, lower overall stress levels, and even help you to grasp concepts faster.

Getting the Right Tools

Some people are naturally predisposed to fidget more than others.

If you’d like to increase the amount of fidgeting you do while at your desk, the right tips and tools make it easy.

The idea is to create a workspace that encourages small movements and activity.

Products like a wobble stool, a balance board, a fidget spinner, or even an adjustable standing desk all make it easy to move throughout the day.

Even just stretching your arms above your head, shaking out your legs, tapping your toes, or nodding your head will all get the job done.

Embrace Fidgeting at Your Desk

We also carry office supplies that help to improve your posture, reduce eye strain and back pain, offer better support, and much more.

Looking for ergonomic and innovative office furniture and solutions that will make everyone in your office healthier, more productive, and happier?

Browse through our incredible products to learn more about what we have to offer.