I am now a proud user of something called a CubeCorner 36 which is basically a standing desk. When I googled it to link for the link, I was brought to a picture of a desk a bit different than the one I have in that it is white and a little wider. I love things that are white because they make me think of clean design and it’s a bit more of a contrast to my black monitors. I’m a bit jealous I didn’t get a white one, but since the office paid, I will not complain.
How does the desk work? It goes up and down by holding a couple of handles on either side and then you pull up and forward to go up and push away and down to go down. Going up is pretty easy but putting it back down was a bit of struggle at first. I’m either getting better at it or the joints in the desk are loosening up.
I didn’t know if I should jump right into standing so I did a little reading on the topic before commencing this activity. A few sources recommended starting slow, maybe 20-30 minutes at a time which I’ve been gradually increasing over time and now stand about 2 hours a day in 30-minute increments. I think the goal is to spend about 3 to 4 hours standing each day which is about half of the workday.
As to some of the logistics, I do like to dress up for work (dresses, heels, etc) so I’ve had to make an adjustment with my foot attire. I still wear the heels but keep a pair of my super comfy flip flops under the desk for the standing part. I use the heels for when I go to meetings, lunch, and the bathroom since flip flops are frowned upon at the office.
A benefit to the standing desk is it allows me time away from my messy desk for a while. I try to keep my actual lower desk area clean and organized but inevitably, by the end of the week, I’ve got stacks of papers I’m working on peppered around the desktop. On the standing desk, I only have my computer screens, keyboard, mouse and cup of tea. The standing desk also allows me to have the photos and inspirational quotes I’ve put on my cubby organizer at eye level which otherwise, I rarely look at.
But, Mary, what are the benefits of actually working while standing up? Glad you asked! I’m finding it very similar to working while sitting down although I’ve read a few articles that indicate sitting down is better for things that need extreme focus or require fine motor skills. I can understand the focus thing because standing up, at least right now in my early weeks of using the desk, is ever present in my conscious mind. It’s not like I’m going to forget I’m on my feet and it can get a little tiring after a while.
I find standing best if I’m actively typing something rather than cruising the internet because I get a little sloppy with my stance when doing the former. When I’m using the keyboard, I’m in full upright position, shoulders back, hands in proper typing stance and I don’t see any lag in my typing speed. Standing has been especially good for my posture and I’ve noticed my core is getting stronger. When I’m not typing, I find myself leaning into the desk, crossing my legs, putting more weight on one foot rather than equal distribution so I need more attention to keep a proper stance.
I also listen to music while I work so at times I’ll find myself boogying or swaying to the beat which probably burns a few more calories and, in addition, makes me look a little silly. This does not deter me because I’m already a bit of an outlier at work and well, we all have our quirks. Moving to the beat does make the day a bit more enjoyable.
So, I give my solid approval to this standing contraption. I may change my mind down the line when I have a bit more experience under my feet (haha). But for now, it’s two thumbs up.
MC
I Am Writing 