This last year has taken a toll on us all. But if there’s one thing we’ve learnt that is a common denominator for everyone is that we’ve all learnt how to adapt more to living and (in many cases) working from home. Whilst many of you may be familiar with the more traditional way of using our Harmoni signature standing desk for working, primarily stood up using the shelves to place your laptop and keyboard on them, over the last six months in particular we’ve been delighted to receive pictures and comments from happy customers using their Harmoni stands in a number of different and creative ways.
As a result, we’ve put together the top five ways to use your standing desk. After reading this article, you’ll definitely feel more inspired to try something new and bring some more fun to your work from home daily routine...
1) Practising an instrument
There are so many perks to using a standing desk, but have you thought about using it to set up your keyboard or DJ decks?!
Check out Julien’s setup of his Harmoni stand!
Our Harmoni stand is pretty versatile. We’ve received some innovative pictures both from our staff and customers (including a famous musician) who are using their stands to make music and give their Harmoni desk a new lease of life! Why not try it for yourself?
2) Drawing/sketching/doodling
Proven to scientifically help alleviate the aches, pains and long-term damage of sitting all day, standing desks have many health benefits (check out our article here!). Whilst you may have only been using your standing desk to work, have you tried using the desk to be creative?Whilst it may not be your first point of call, actually taking some time out to do some art is proven to be beneficial in helping people to relax and de-stress. According to studies, drawing literal or abstract representations of what is stressing you out can actually help you express emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
You don’t need to be a professional artist, or even to dedicate a large amount of time, but the idea is that you can use your Harmoni desk a bit like an easel. Check out these doodling tips to get started! All you need is some paper and a black pen, it’s that easy!
your workout! The best news is that you won’t have to keep crouching down to look at the screen.
3) Room decor (keep your plants on it)
Whether you’re a bit bored of staring at the same office background, or perhaps you’re working in your drab bedroom which is drained of colour, and by now is covered in crumbs from your late breakfast/lunch/snacks which endlessly blur into one, you need a Harmoni desk. 
Check out Camille’s set up with her plants!
We’re not telling you to get one so that you can work better (although this is scientifically proven to be true!), in fact we want to let you know that when you’re not using it, these desks are perfect for keeping plants and adding some important colour to your room! Think of the Harmoni desk as the additional window shelves for your plants that you didn’t know you needed, but now that your plants have been there, you’ll notice the difference! Check out our latest article about the best indoor plants for your home here!
4) Zoom calls and quizzes
We’ve all been there on Zoom where the angle of your computer screen or laptop is, well how do we put this… unflattering?! A bit like when you open your phone to take a picture and it’s on selfie mode, or if you’ve made the decision to get dressed in the dark and then realise you’ve got a Zoom meeting and look a bit of a state…don’t worry we’ve all been there!
The good news is that the Harmoni desk is perfect for making Zoom calls. If you’re particularly good with technology, you’ll also be well acquainted with using Zoom for quizzes too. Easily adjust the height of the shelves to avoid getting a double chin - it’s the perfect way to sculpt those cheekbones without using any filters or botox!
So, when you’re next having online drinks with your friends or colleagues, be sure to use the Harmoni stand so that you can look and feel great too.
5) Working out
Whether you’re new to home workouts, or perhaps you’ve been doing them for the last year… it doesn’t matter where you’re currently at, only where you’re going!
Along with the obvious physical benefits, working out is proven to lower stress levels and help the body copy better with uncertainty. Research also shows that exercise can boost self esteem and lower levels of anxiety and depression. (according to the NHS!) There are some free yoga sessions held online by Adrienne which you can find here, or a whole ton of online free exercise classes on YouTube. Simply place your laptop or mobile phone on your Harmoni desk and enjoy
Given that the Harmoni shelves are made from renewable materials (sustainably sourced wood!) and have a natural, earthy appearance to them, these desks are beautiful additions for your room or your workspace which are super flexible and easy to customise.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve just stumbled across Harmoni, or perhaps you’ve been following us for a while, be sure to make full use of your Harmoni desk and get your money’s worth! Thankfully, the desks are made from extremely durable wood which is also stain-resistant so even if your desk gets the odd spill if you use it for a Zoom quiz (with some drinks and nibbles), the desk is long lasting and super easy to clean.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article! If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact katie@harmoni.design - we look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sources
‘Best Standing Desk 2021’ <https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/house-garden/furniture/best-standing-desks-a9371281.html>
<https://harmonidesk.com/blogs/news/essential-benefits-standing-desk>
<https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-truth-behind-standing-desks-2016092310264>
<https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-benefits-of-a-standing-desk>
‘Benefits of Exercise’ <https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/>
<https://yogawithadriene.com/>
<https://yogawithadriene.com/free-yoga-videos/>
<https://harmonidesk.com/blogs/news/best-indoor-plants>