Do you feel like your life is tied to the computer?
As a blogger, I feel you. While I love writing and researching, many hours a day on the computer makes my body feel stagnant. I wasn’t surprised to learn the problems associated with sitting at a desk all day:
- One study led by the led by the University of Leicester included almost 800,000 participants. Researchers found that prolonged sitting meant a higher rate of diabetes, heart disease and earlier death. The surprising part? The results were independent from exercise! That means exercise does not negate the consequences of sitting all day. The only way to avoid the risks of prolong sitting is to not to.
- Another recent study found that sitting had a positive correlation with chronic diseases.“We saw a steady stair-step increase in risk of chronic diseases the more participants sat,” the lead researcher reported. “The group sitting more than eight hours clearly had the highest risk.”
- One more study found that even active women sit as much as non-active women. Again, the only way to avoid the risks of prolonged sitting is to get off your bum.
Obviously, the human body is not meant to sit all day. But how do we continue with our computer work and avoid the consequences of sitting? It’s simple: stand while working!
Standing Desk Options
Before I came across the standing desk pictured above, I made a DIY standing desk by propping my monitor and keyboard up on cardboard boxes. It worked, but was ugly.
This standing desk fit all my demands. It allows me to adjust the monitor to eye level, which ensures no neck strain and optimal posture. I’ve adjusted the keyboard so that my shoulders are relaxed and my wrists are in alignment. It also looks unobtrusive, and flattens for easy, lightweight portability.
While I highly recommend my standing desk, I know there are many other options to consider. Try searching “DIY Standing Desk.” Many readers have told me they’ve created attractive, minimalist options from standard Ikea pieces.
Benefits of a standing desk
Reduced risks associated with sitting – According to the research above, standing instead of sitting all day could reduce risk of disease.
Good posture – After years of ballet classes, I’m a stickler for good posture. My standing desk allows optimal shoulder and wrist placement for typing. Most importantly, I’ve adjusted my monitor to eye level, so I’m not straining my neck. Also, standing engages the core muscles that go lax when we sit.
Improved focus – I would call it causation, not correlation, that I’m less likely to wander over to the zones of internet procrastination (namely Pinterest and Facebook) when standing. I believe our physical form influences our focus. When we have an alert form (standing rather than slouching in a chair), the mind is alert.
Improved sleep and Restless Leg Syndrome – I began sleeping better once I used a standing desk, and I do not believe it is a coincidence. I recommended my mom switch to a standing desk, and she immediately noticed a vast improvement in her restless leg syndrome.
Do you use a standing desk? Can you imagine creating a DIY standing desk at your home or office?
I tried this for three weeks but unfortunately for me it was a fail. I spend far too much time in front of a computer, at work and at home, so I was looking for a solution to my back and neck issues. However, even though I had everything set up perfectly, my neck and back got much worse and I had to revert to a chair. Standing still is a killer on my back while walking isn’t, so the next step is a treadmill desk.
This doesn’t mean it won’t work for others and if you are seeing benefits, then it’s a fantastic solution to a sedentary life.
Great idea! I’ll have to try this…I’ve already replaced my office chair with a balance ball chair and it’s great, but Why not do this too? Thanks!
I shared one desktop computer with three homeschooling kids, and my ability to work at home was suffering, so I bought a laptop. Sadly, that meant I sat ALL THE TIME. I suddenly was “free” to work 24 hours a day because my work could go with me! At the desktop, I’d get up at least once an hour and do laundry, pick up, get the mail, etc. Now, with a laptop, I could sit in the recliner with my feet up, so I never got the message from my body it was time to move. I am just now remembering to take the laptop to a place where I can stand up to work several times a day and that’s helping. Work hours vs. home hours would help more.
I’m on day 2 of my standing desk. I following the plans from http://iamnotaprogrammer.com/Ikea-Standing-desk-for-22-dollars.html. I used 2 “Lack” tables (7.99 each), 2 shelves (1.99 each) and 4 brackets (.50 cents each) and hardware that we had in the garage. They bought a drafting chair for me at work, so I can sit occasionally. The only thing I need is an anti-fatigue mat. I just wonder if standing all day has its own problems?
That diagram of your desk is EXACTLY me during my summer job! I used archive boxes to make a standing desk and so did one of my bosses! We knew sitting was bad for your health and it would be PAINFUL for me in my neck and shoulders after only a few days of 9-5 sitting. I’m so glad you shared this and that we built our desk in the same way! Now the market needs to develop an affordable standing desk for people like us!
Also, my feet did hurt at first, but after making sure I wore supportive shoes, my body got more used to it with time.
May I add a warning. I work at a sleep center and created a standing station with laptop desk (like a bed in breakfast tray) and a wooden crate I painted black so it would like nice at work. At first I made sure to stand on cushion mats but over the first few weeks after occasionally almost tripping on them I would kick then under the counter. I have developed plantar fasciitis (intense heel pain). I believe the mats could have prevented this and also maybe more importantly I should’ve really eased into it more slowly. I get such back aches from sitting I was excited to stand and went for all nighters right from the get go. I am going to ease into it the second time around as my foot starts to feel better. It really is awesome and my back definately felt better. Its so easy to just lauch into some simple stretches when your already standing. Just trust me on the cushion mats and if you are someone with a history of PF, do your stretches and eeeeease into it baby. 😀
I love standing desks! I discovered them in Sweden (they have an Ikea desk with an electrical motor, and with the push of a button you can choose to sit or stand!) Everybody should try at least one day 🙂
I just discovered your website and I’m loving it!! so much material to read now… haha
Who did your logo? it’s beaaaaautiful!!
Best,
Charles
I work in a call centre. Sitting 8 hours a day, breaks for lunch etc, but virtually chained to the desk due to stats needing to be met. I have tried many alternatives and am hoping my bosses allow this type of thing as balance balls have been downed, support cushions too. Does anyone have a cheaper,portable light alternative please, as we do not stay at the same desk everyday, due to desk sharing shifts. I will have to purchase my own as work do not funds alternatives to desks and swivel chairs gggrrrrrrr.
I really love the one advertised, but it is very expensive.
(Maybe I could have a word in Santas ear though if there isnt an alternative 🙂 )
Thank you for this post. Super interesting x
Standing allows your body to adjust and move easily flexing your muscles continuously. It also keeps your blood circulating well.