So in the last few months, I have become a standing-desk devotee. My interest in the subject started with articles like this one, which pretty much say that anyone with a computer is doomed to die early from sitting in front of it, and then increased with the apostolism of authors I admire. My excellent (and extremely health-conscious) fiance began talking about it, and I then followed his lead in putting my laptop on various high surfaces in our apartment when I was working--the kitchen counter, a tall dresser. After I got used to the sensation of standing for so long, I came to like it . . . for an hour or two, anyway, at which point I'd sit down for an hour or two in turn. But the variety was fun.
And now I have two standing desks, at work and at home! Here's the work version:
Yes, indeed, that is the extremely advanced standing-desk technology of two cardboard boxes attached to each other, with a mousepad on one and my keyboard on the other. The keyboard is now right at the angle of my elbows, so typing is very comfortable, and my computer screen conveniently tilts up so I can see it easily. I made a side handle out of packing tape so it's easy to whisk it out of the way. I try to follow the policy that if I'm doing e-mail, I have to stand up, while if I'm doing editorial work, it's OK to be sitting down. Other times I just follow an hour-up, hour-down policy. It's gotten to the point that if I do sit for more than an hour or so, I start to feel antsy, and back on my feet I go. (I've also come to mind standing on the subway much less than before.)
At home James and I really did get actual technology involved, as well as some homemade gimcrackery::
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I've often thought of trying to stand up while writing -- maybe I will now that I've seen it in action!
ReplyDeleteI also read about the downside of sitting all day. I found my breakfast bar is the perfect height for standing and using my computer. It also gives me the opportunity to move my happy feet!
ReplyDeleteI've tried the standing desk dealio, too. I just use a conveniently sized stool on top of my desk with the keyboard on top of that and I like it a lot. The unexpected part for me is how much I enjoy being able to pace back and forth when I am searching for the right word or a good plot point. Do you think you're more creative on the walking set-up than the standing one?
ReplyDeleteIt worked for Hemingway, though I don't think he was treadmilling at the same time....nice multitasking.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try a "stationary biking" alternative. I am going to try and talk my hubby into setting up somethig so I can bike and type!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try this today!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you've experimented with designs. You probably already know that Thomas Jefferson used a tall desk at Monticello. And before desktop computers filled classrooms and offices, we used tall drafting tables in architecture studios. Here's a link to info on Monticello and Jefferson's desk.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/tall-desk
Here is mine! http://charliarmstrong.blogspot.com/2012/09/if-i-can-stand-and-paint-i-can-stand.html
ReplyDeleteOne other alternative arrangement is to sit on a large exercise ball. The theory is that you're forced to engage your core more, and therefore it's supposed to be significantly better than sitting on a chair. You still have the whole shortening of hamstring and flexor problems, but I hold that wearing high heeled shoes is worse for most women.
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