Boost your posture and energy: the benefits of balance cushions for your standing desk

If you’re like me and spend hours working at a desk, you’ve probably thought about ways to improve your posture and avoid the discomfort that often comes with long work sessions. Today, I want to share a tool that has transformed the way I work at my standing desk: balance cushions, also known as wobble cushions or balance fits. They’ve become an essential part of my routine, keeping me energised, engaged, and aligned.

Let’s explore how these cushions can make a big difference and how you can use them to optimise your setup!

The benefit of standing desks

Standing desks are a fantastic alternative to traditional sitting desks, offering a way to stay more active throughout the day. By allowing you to stand while you work, they encourage subtle movements and prevent the long stretches of sitting that can lead to stiffness and fatigue. But even with a standing desk, it’s easy to fall into bad habits, like locking your ankles, knees, and hips, which can strain your body over time.

If you don’t have a standing desk, don’t worry—you don’t need to break the bank! I’ve created a simple and affordable setup at home using an ironing board and some books to elevate my keyboard and mouse. It’s adjustable, foldable, and gets the job done.

Introducing the balance cushion

Balance cushions are small, air-filled discs designed to improve stability and posture. They have a smooth surface on one side and small bumps on the other. The bumps are particularly great for stimulating circulation in your feet and legs, giving your body a gentle wake-up call as you work.

Here are the top benefits I’ve experienced with a balance cushion:

1. Improved circulation

   Standing on the cushion, especially the bumpy side, activates your venous and lymphatic circulation. This increases blood flow to your brain, helping you feel more alert and focused.

   
   

2. Joint engagement

   Unlike standing flat on the floor, the cushion encourages tiny, continuous movements in your ankles, knees, and hips. These micro-movements prevent stiffness and keep your joints active throughout the day.

   
   

3. Enhanced balance and posture

   The cushion naturally engages your balance system, prompting you to maintain proper alignment. This includes keeping your head balanced over your spine, which is key to avoiding strain on your neck and back.

A photo of my desk setup at home with balance cushion

Why posture matters

Let’s talk about your head and posture. Did you know your head weighs about 5 kilograms? That’s the same as a medium-sized watermelon! When your head is properly balanced over your spine, this weight is distributed evenly, and it feels manageable. However, if you let your head drop forward—like we often do when looking at screens—it creates unnecessary strain on your neck and shoulders, making your head feel much heavier.

Here’s an analogy: Imagine holding a 3-kilogram weight close to your body. It’s easy, right? Now, try holding that weight at arm’s length—it feels much heavier! This same principle applies to your head. When your head isn’t aligned with your centre of gravity, your body works much harder to support it, which can lead to long-term issues like joint pain and even slipped discs.

Using a balance cushion is a great way to address this. As you stand on the cushion, your balance system is activated, encouraging you to align your head naturally over your centre of gravity. This simple adjustment makes a huge difference in reducing strain and maintaining good posture.

How to use a balance cushion

Getting started with a balance cushion is simple:

1. Place the cushion on the floor in front of your standing desk.

   
   

2. Stand on it barefoot, with socks, or even with shoes (though barefoot is best for stimulating circulation).

   
   

3. Alternate between the smooth side and the bumpy side for variety and comfort.

   
   

4. Let your body naturally shift and adjust as you balance. You’ll notice subtle movements that keep your joints and muscles engaged.

   
   

5. You can use the cushion for short periods throughout the day, gradually increasing your time as you get used to it. It’s a great way to stay active without even realizing it!

Balance cushions are more than just a fun addition to your standing desk—they’re a tool for better health and productivity. By encouraging movement, improving circulation, and promoting alignment, they help you feel more energised and comfortable during your workday.

Plus, they’re compact, portable, and affordable, making them an easy addition to any workspace.

Here’s the link to the video that talks about the use of balance cushions to improve your posture: https://youtu.be/5-3TbpFLSqo

Your turn to try it out!

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your standing desk experience and take better care of your body while you work, I highly recommend giving a balance cushion a try. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your daily routine.

There’s a great company that offers them and where I purchased mine, https://www.sisseluk.com/balancefit-by-sissel

I’d love to hear how you get on with it!

Let’s keep moving, stay balanced, and work smarter together.

If you would like a free 20 min initial chat about your desk setup, you can email me at hello@integratinghealth.com