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Whether you’re standing at work, at school, or to do a hobby, it can take a toll on your body. If you don’t have the option to sit down periodically, there are a few ways you can make the day easier and give your back some relief.

Here are 12 ways you can stay more comfortable whenever you’re standing for a long period of time.

1

Bend your knees slightly.

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  1. As you stand, give your knees a slight bend so they aren’t straight up and down.[1]
    • Slightly stagger your stance as you bend your knees for a more natural posture.
    • Locking your knees can also lead to lightheadedness and even fainting, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.[2]
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2

Rock back and forth.

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Stand for a Long Time
    Periodically lift your heels, then your toes, then your heels again.[3]
    • Rocking back and forth can also help you strengthen your legs slightly, so you can actually work out a little bit while you’re standing up!
5

Kick your heel up to your butt.

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7

Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.

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  1. Put on shoes that fit you well and provide arch support.[8]
    • Shoes made of mesh or soft cotton are usually more comfortable than leather or suede ones.[9]
    • Try to avoid high heels if you can. The position they force your feet into isn’t natural, and it can make your feet hurt after a while.[10]
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8

Decompress your spine by hanging onto a door.

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9

Stretch your back using a countertop.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are standing desks good for your back?
    Jarod Carter, DPT, CMT
    Jarod Carter, DPT, CMT
    Physical Therapist
    Jarod Carter is a Physical Therapist, Consultant, and the Owner of Carter Physiotherapy, a manual physical therapy clinic in Austin, Texas focused on manual therapy as well as telehealth services to resolve pain and injuries. Dr. Carter has over 15 years of professional physical therapy experience. He received a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) and an MTC (Manual Therapy Certification) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Dr. Carter also holds a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin.
    Jarod Carter, DPT, CMT
    Physical Therapist
    Expert Answer
    Yes. It isn't particularly good for your back if you're sitting down for extended periods of time, and periodically getting up to move around should help a fair bit depending on the type of back pain you have. With that said, if standing causes you pain, the standing desk isn't going to be the way to go.
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About This Article

Jarod Carter, DPT, CMT
Co-authored by:
Physical Therapist
This article was co-authored by Jarod Carter, DPT, CMT and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Jarod Carter is a Physical Therapist, Consultant, and the Owner of Carter Physiotherapy, a manual physical therapy clinic in Austin, Texas focused on manual therapy as well as telehealth services to resolve pain and injuries. Dr. Carter has over 15 years of professional physical therapy experience. He received a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) and an MTC (Manual Therapy Certification) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Dr. Carter also holds a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin. This article has been viewed 115,794 times.
37 votes - 90%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: June 5, 2024
Views: 115,794
Categories: Featured Articles | Posture

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To stand comfortably for a long time, maintain a good upright posture to keep your back and shoulders from getting sore. If you find yourself slouching, hold your hands behind your back to help your spine stay straight. Bend your knees a little as well, since locking your knees is bad for your circulation and can make you lightheaded. If you get sore, shift your weight back and forth from one leg to another to give each leg a break. Jog in place or perform a few jumping jacks occasionally to keep your blood flowing. You should also stretch periodically. You can lift each leg up to your backside to stretch your thighs and calves, do some shoulder rolls, and pull your arms behind or across your chest to stay loose. If you know you’re going to be standing for a long time, prepare by wearing your comfiest shoes. You can also wear compression stockings or ergonomic insoles if you tend to get sore feet while you stand.

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  • Trent Amann

    Trent Amann

    Feb 12, 2021

    "This changed my life. I work at a major fast food chain where I am standing for 10+ hours a day. I was having major..." more
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