A lot of people have been posting their “word of the year” online, or asking people to finish the phrase: This is the year I___________. The first phrase that came to my mind was not very profound or spiritual, I’m afraid. It was: “2017…The year I get off my can.” But that didn’t sound very ladylike, so next I came up with, “The year I take a stand.”
A stand up desk, that is… 
Because I sit so much (and did not heed my mother’s “sit up straight” posture lectures) I struggle with neck and back issues. I imagine lots of writers do. So I’ve decided this is the year I make a change.
I’ve been wanting a standing desk for a few years, and finally bought myself one. After reading reviews of various models, I chose the FlexiSpot 35″ Adjustable Standing Desk Riser.
It only takes a few seconds and very little effort to lift it to a standing position (I stand on an anti-fatigue mat), or lower it back down when I get tired of standing. My laptop and accessories all move with me. 
I’m also trying to get better at taking breaks, and switching positions more often.
Every time I adjust from sitting to standing, or put my document holder on the other side to avoid holding my neck in one position too long, that old high school cheer goes through my mind: “Lean to the left, lean to the right, stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight!”
Writing for hours on end can be a fight all right. Hopefully, 2017 will be a more productive writing year, and less of a pain in the neck.
Besides buying myself the standing desk, I also bought myself this chocolate coin (see pen for scale). I couldn’t resist, probably because it bears my birth year. Clearly my New Year’s resolutions did not involve cutting out chocolate. Probably should, but let’s not get crazy.
What about you? Choosing any words, or taking any stands this year?
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I’ve seen people at work use those standing desks. I’ve never really wanted to try one. I tend to get lower back pain from standing too long. If I’m moving, it’s not so much of an issue, so maybe I should try one of those treadmill desks. Nah. I’m a creature of habit. But I do try to sit up straight(ish) and get up and move around every so often. At the day job, I exercise during lunch so that helps break up the day.
I hope your standing desk works wonders for you, Julie. I’ll be interested to hear how you like it long term.
Yes, I find myself swaying from side to side to keep from standing still so long. That seems to help. Will let you know how it’s going in April. 🙂
Hubby got a treadmill. I need to get on it.
What is it with treadmills and self-help books…that you actually have to use them, and not just buy them? 😉 Hubby bought me a secondhand treadmill a few years ago, but he wisely mounted a tv in front of it. Since I reward myself with watching some of my favorite British shows…I actually use it!
Julie, I hope you’ll update us in 6 months or so with how you like it, and what the results have been! I’ve seen a lot about these but haven’t gone that route…yet.
Will do, Deb!
I can’t wait to hear if you enjoy your standing desk experience. For the first time in my life, I’m having back pain (thanks to hours of writing) and trying to find ways to help. I know some writers who write while they walk on the treadmill. I just don’t know how productive I would be. I’m also not as coordinated as I’d like to try something like that.
On a side note, it’s fun to see your Linden Hill Retreat picture on your shelf. 🙂
I’ve owned a standing desk for a couple of years. I also have the mat. I go up and down throughout the day. I also try to break every hour and walk 250 steps. All of this helps with my back and neck issues. And I wouldn’t manage without my treadmill.