Day 4


I’m still standing.

My energy levels have vastly improved, and I have been reading more about the benefits for standing desks and see that people are feeling more productive and have more clarity of thought. Since I am not working/earning money/ needing to measure productivity in that way, I can’t be a reliable witness to such claims.

I noticed just now as I was preparing veg for dinner that I didn’t have back ache whilst standing at the kitchen worktop! That is a big boost for me, since I have suffered on and off with low back pain over the years, and now I am not feeling that.

Last night I read some blogs, one suggested standing on an anti-fatigue mat. I knew I needed to stand on something like a doormat or piece of carpet, as I am currently standing on tiles. So I’ve now ordered one from Amazon, and look forward to seeing what impact that has on.

Here are some tips to help you get started.

  • Have a good look at the desk you have already-can it be converted? Can you stand it on blocks?
  • Can you convert it by placing a cheap coffee table on top.
  • Make sure you keep moving as you stand at your desk.  You will move from foot to foot naturally, pay some attention to this whilst you are adjusting.
  • Make sure you’re wearing good, comfortable footwear, and stand on a door mat or anti-fatigue mat.  If you’re already on carpet this is unlikely to be an issue.
  • For the first few days you might ache (if your unfit and obese like me).  Each night I have taken an Ibuprofen to ease the aching limbs so I can fall asleep and relax more easily.  I don’t think I will need one tonight. So just to get over the initial hump.
  • Every so often take a seat for 10 minutes or so until your body becomes more used to your new position.
  • Take notice of the muscles you’re using to stand upright, take the opportunity to work them a little more.
  • Take it slowly if you need to and build up gradually.

Finally, here are some links to some blogs about standing desks.

http://standingdesk.wordpress.com/

http://www.sott.net/articles/show/242142-Become-a-Stand-Up-Guy-The-History-Benefits-and-Use-of-Standing-Desks

http://crackberry.com/standing-desks

http://www.treehugger.com/interior-design/more-on-the-benefits-of-standing-desks-and-how-to-build-one-on-the-cheap.html

http://www.technicallymike.com/2012/02/standing-desk.html

http://www.treehugger.com/interior-design/sitting-down-makes-you-fat-more-reasons-to-get-a-standing-desk.html

So, if you haven’t already been persuaded and you want to improve your energy levels, productivity and think more clearly, I think this is your answer. Get off you chair and move.

 

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