Why Sitting on the Floor is the New Standing Desk for Health

A Childhood Habit That Is Good For Adults

Do you remember sitting cross-legged on the floor in kindergarten? I think many of us associate this circle time with joyful memories of childhood. As it turns out, this practice is good for adults too. How so? For many of the same reasons a standing desk is better than being in a chair for long hours, sitting on the floor helps to improve circulation, mobility, and metabolism.

In our modern age where most of our days are spent sitting in a car or at a desk, we have sacrificed flexibility and health for creaky joints, stiffness, and extra pounds. It’s time to change that — and there’s no better way than by adopting a habit of sitting on the floor.

Why Sitting on the Floor is Good for You

In an age when comfort reigns supreme, we may not realize that being uncomfortable is often good for us! In fact, some of the best things in my life have come from discomfort, such as when I survived solo in the wilderness for 57 days straight without much beyond the clothing on my back. I emerged stronger mentally, spiritually, and physically.

But what does this have to do with sitting on the floor? Simply put, it’s an example of how something that is physically uncomfortable supports our well-being in the long run. Here’s why.

You may have come across the hashtag #floortime over the last couple of years on social media and may have wondered what all the buzz is about. Consider this: throughout history and into our present age, sitting on the floor was (and still is) the norm for many cultures — not the exception. And when people sit or squat on the floor, they have more flexibility and better joint health as they age. Micro-adjustments are also made when you sit on the floor and when a body is in motion with movement, health benefits.

A case in point is found in a study that looked at taking regular breaks from sitting. When participants had regular activity breaks, metabolism increased along with insulin response. What’s more, it also reduced inflammation.^1,4 A randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition had similar findings.³ Likewise, another study in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology found the same.⁴ And since sitting on the floor also encourages regular movement, the benefits from this research also apply.

Furthermore, you burn more calories through micro-movements than if you are sedentary. The technical term for this boost in metabolism is called non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), which is where “energy is expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating, or sports like exercise.”²

It includes activities such as walking to work, typing, yard work, and, for our purposes here: fidgeting. Surprisingly, NEAT is responsible for the majority of our calorie burn throughout the day, which is why we want to encourage micro-movements. But these aren’t the only health perks of sitting on the floor, it also promotes flexibility, improves circulation, encourages regularity, and supports core muscle tone.^5,6

And it’s not just sitting, lying down on the floor has benefits too. If you need near-instant stress relief, lying flat on the floor is a surefire method to calm the nervous system and relieve anxiety. It’s exceptionally grounding and immediately calms spinning thoughts and tense muscles. Personally, I like to lie down and stretch my arms straight up over my head, while also stretching out my legs. Give it a try and see for yourself how it quickly calms the stress response.

Precautions

When first starting out, you want to begin slowly — five minutes max. Experts also recommend sitting while leaning up against a wall to keep your posture in check as slumping will negate any health benefits. Try out different positions to see which is the best fit for you. If you have joint or mobility issues, having a partner to help you is a good idea. I always recommend doing some light stretches when you are finished and before standing up.

Overwhelmed or Stressed? These Herbal Remedies Can Help!

In addition to reaping the benefits of sitting and/or lying on the floor, I also turn to our Lemon Balm tincture in the apothecary. This soothing herbal formulation quickly calms frazzled nerves and alleviates spinning, anxiety-promoting thoughts. It is my number one, go-to herb when I need powerful stress relief.

“Lemon Calm” — It Has Been Life-Changing!

“I have told friends, Lemon Balm (which I call Lemon Calm), was life changing. When not being able to sleep became a problem, Lemon Balm calmed my mind. What a difference it made! Many thanks, Nicole.” -Vicki

Lemon balm also improves overall mood, cognitive health, clarity, and focus. It’s a potent antioxidant and antiviral as well. If you need more clarity, calm, and a cognitive boost, this is the herb for you. Need an extra level of support? Have a look at our potent Anxiety & Stress Blend.

If you are seeking the best product for effective stress relief, visit my apothecary today to learn more about these and many other powerful herbal extracts!

Nicole Apelian

Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post

References

1. Homer, A. R., Fenemor, S. P., Perry, T. L., Rehrer, N. J., Cameron, C. M., Skeaff, C. M., & Peddie, M. C. (2017). Regular activity breaks combined with physical activity improve postprandial plasma triglyceride, nonesterified fatty acid, and insulin responses in healthy, normal weight adults: A randomized crossover trial. Journal of clinical lipidology, 11(5), 1268–1279.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacl.2017.06.007
2. Levine J. A. (2002). Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 16(4), 679–702. https://doi.org/10.1053/beem.2002.0227
3. Peddie, M. C., Bone, J. L., Rehrer, N. J., Skeaff, C. M., Gray, A. R., & Perry, T. L. (2013). Breaking prolonged sitting reduces postprandial glycemia in healthy, normal-weight adults: a randomized crossover trial. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 98(2), 358–366. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.112.051763
4. de Vries, M. A., Klop, B., Janssen, H. W., Njo, T. L., Westerman, E. M., & Castro Cabezas, M. (2014). Postprandial inflammation: targeting glucose and lipids. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 824, 161–170. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07320-0_12
5. “The Benefits and Precautions of Sitting on the Floor” by Kirsten Nuez, medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C. Healthline, June 25, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/sitting-on-the-floor
6. “Sitting on the Floor May Help Improve Posture—Experts Recommend These 2 Positions” by Sherri Gordon, Health Magazine, April 13, 2023. https://www.health.com/floor-sitting-posture-benefits-7377628