We Tried Sitting on the Floor for 5 Years. Here's What REALLY Happened.

Summary

This video recounts the journey of transitioning to a furniture-free lifestyle, where the narrator and their partner adopt floor sitting for their home office. Initially struggling with back pain and discomfort, they eventually find strength, flexibility, and a new routine in their choice. Over time, they reflect on the benefits of movement and the challenges of adapting their setup to their individual needs. The video highlights that while floor sitting may not be for everyone, it promotes a healthier and more dynamic way of working, interrupting sedentary patterns. The couple advocates for mindful comfort and movement over conventional office setups.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sitting on the floor has helped improve our mobility and flexibility over time.
• 💡 The decision to switch to floor sitting stemmed from the need to recover from an ankle injury and improve back strength.
• 🔄 Initially, the transition to floor sitting was uncomfortable, but it became easier as our bodies adapted and got stronger.
• 🪑 The Muji floor chair was useful at first, but we ended up using it less as we got used to sitting on the floor directly.
• ⚠️ A major challenge was the awkwardness of getting in and out of the floor chair, which led us to sit directly on the floor for better convenience.
• 📈 Over the years, sitting on the floor has made us stronger, and we no longer experience the discomfort of getting up frequently.
• 😂 Our friends and family struggled with floor sitting at first, which reminded us of our own early discomfort when we first tried it.
• 🌍 Cultures around the world often practice floor sitting well into old age, suggesting it can be beneficial for mobility if done regularly.
• 💪 Comfort isn’t always the best choice for our bodies; too much comfort can lead to weakness, while sitting on the floor has strengthened us.
• 🏗️ We learned that furniture-free living is about creating a healthy environment that promotes movement, not just comfort.
• 🎯 The key to a successful floor desk setup is finding a balance between comfort and movement, avoiding setups that encourage prolonged stillness.
• 🔧 The biggest mistake was trying to create identical floor desk setups for both of us without considering our different body types and needs.
• 🤔 Despite some challenges, we would still choose floor sitting if we had to start over, as it encourages movement and healthier habits.

Q & A

Why did the creators choose to sit on the floor in their home office?

The creators decided to sit on the floor as a way to promote movement and improve mobility after dealing with injuries, including a torn ligament in the ankle and back pain. Sitting on the floor allowed them to move frequently between different positions, which they found beneficial for their health.

What challenges did they face when transitioning to a floor-sitting lifestyle?

Initially, the creators struggled with discomfort, especially in their backs, and they often felt tired quickly when sitting on the floor without support. They also found it awkward to get in and out of their floor chair, which made them question their decision at first.

How did the use of a floor chair help during the transition to sitting on the floor?

The floor chair provided necessary back support in the beginning, which helped the creators sit on the floor for longer periods. It allowed them to rest and lean back when they got tired, easing the transition to sitting on the floor full-time.

What improvements did they notice in their physical health after sitting on the floor for a long period?

After sitting on the floor for several years, the creators noticed that their backs no longer hurt, and their knees didn't feel strained. They also felt stronger and more flexible, which they attributed to the increased mobility and movement that floor sitting encouraged.

What mistakes did they make when setting up their floor desks?

One major mistake was trying to create identical floor desk setups for both creators, despite their differing body types and flexibility. This led to one desk being too low for one creator, causing discomfort. They later realized the importance of personalizing the desk height for individual needs.

Why is the height of the floor desk important, and how did the creators get it wrong?

The height of the floor desk is crucial because it affects comfort and ergonomics while working. The creators initially tried to make their desks the same height for aesthetic reasons, but this led to one desk being too low for one of them. In hindsight, they learned that the desk height should be tailored to each person's body and preferences.

What advice do the creators give for creating a healthy working environment?

The creators suggest finding a balance between comfort and movement in your setup. A good workspace should promote frequent movement and avoid prolonged sitting in one position, but it shouldn’t be so uncomfortable that you avoid using it. The goal is to create a healthy environment that encourages movement without causing discomfort.

Is sitting on the floor the only solution to a healthy workspace?

No, sitting on the floor is not the only solution. While it can be a good way to promote movement, other desk setups can also support a healthy workspace if they encourage regular movement. The key is to stay mindful of posture and avoid sedentary behavior, regardless of whether you're sitting on the floor or in a traditional chair.

How did the creators deal with discomfort when sitting on the floor?

The creators initially dealt with discomfort by using a floor chair for back support when needed. Over time, as their core strength and flexibility improved, they no longer needed the chair and could comfortably sit on the floor for extended periods without strain.

What was the creators' perspective on comfort in relation to body health?

The creators learned that comfort isn't always beneficial for the body. While it’s natural to seek comfort, they found that too much comfort, such as sitting in an ergonomic chair, could lead to sedentary behavior. They believe that striving for strength and mobility, even if it involves some discomfort, is better for long-term health.