Standing Desk: Are They What You Need for Your Home Office?

The idea that sitting is bad and standing is good completely misunderstands the recommendations related to sedentary behaviour. What is required to combat the above-mentioned ailments is frequent "translocation of the trunk" - i.e. moving your body. Standing still in one spot all day definitely is not good for you... it can lead to plantar fasciitis, varicose veins and lower back pain amongst many other problems. You only need to speak to middle aged people who worked standing all day (e.g. factory workers) to know its not the solution.

I feel - based on evidence I've read over the years - people should consider saving the money and hassle of a standing desk by doing the following: get up every hour (30mins may be the latest recommendation now if i recall correctly); stand when on calls; walk on your lunch breaks; set up your workstation well; establish good posture; don't sit in the same position for too long.

[Apologies I don't have citations - am on mobile - but refer to work done by Leeds University and UC San Diego for more]

I 'tried out' a standing desk experience with an overturned packing crate, a piece of plywood.. for the right height for keyboard/mouse. And then two reams of paper to bring the laptop display to the right height above the keyboard. Haven't changed it for over a year because it 'just works'. So don't let lack of money or equipment deter trying it out. An anti fatigue mat helps, and a bar stool can let you sit to take a break without reconfiguring your desk.