vivalasvegas - 6:45 am on May 2, 2009 (gmt 0)

For the past couple of years I have been researching the issue of ergonomics and healthy working positions. At some point, after learning that prolonged sitting can have some negative impacts on our health (decreased blood circulation in the perineal area and back problems), I decided to stand at my office. I placed my computer on a high table and for almost one year I would stand while working. Working in a standing position can be quite pleasant for a few reasons:
-it keeps you more alert;
-when you want to take a break from working you simply walk away from your desk.

However, prolonged standing has some issues too: sore feet, lower back and neck (muscles used to support standing). Here's a good article on working in a standing position [ccohs.ca]

My conclusion is that alternating working positions is the healthiest option we have (if we must keep working:). I recently bought a very cool height adjustable desk that, at the push of a button goes up and down allowing for working both sitting on a chair and standing. I sit for 2-3 hours with 5 minute breaks every half hour, than I stand for 2 hours, again with half hour breaks and so on. The 5 minute breaks are also good for your eyes. On these breaks I always try to focus my eyes on a distant object (it's what opticians recommend).

One other thing I intend to purchase is one of those $500 ergonomic chairs.