I caught on to the standing desk craze a couple weeks ago and decided I just had to have one... but nothing on craigslist really caught my fancy. Sure, someone was selling the legendary Ikea Jerker for $200, but I admit it: I'm cheap! After looking at some drafting tables and custom shelving-type solutions, I decided to just use something I already had:
Ok, ok, so it's a bookcase. So what? It works great.
I use the lower shelf as a footrest (essential, by the way), so it might need to be reinforced, but for now it's just fine.
The standing pose is nice; it really makes me feel like I'm attacking a project, rather than wallowing in it. When I'm frustrated I can walk around the room rather than just sit and stew in my own mirth. Walking away is very natural and I often do it without consciously deciding to. Even better, the slight discomfort from standing makes me less likely to be distracted by the web.
The first few days were pretty painful on my feet and lower back, but by now I've pretty much adapted. I can even pace around a little bit while I'm reading an article (but don't try that with a TN panel display!)
An unexpected benefit: much more effective digestion.
Now I worry about getting a job where I don't have the option to stand...
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