Do you sit for hours at your computer?
@Auntylou (4264)
Oxford, England
February 9, 2016 7:02pm CST
If like me you enjoy spending time online, or you need it for your work you may end up doing a lot of sitting. Which, as we are being told makes us more likely to be unhealthy and to die prematurely.
A good way out ? Find a sturdy box, or fill a flimsy one with books or cans and put your computer on top of it so you achieve a kind of desk at which you can stand.
Studies have shown that well being and efficiency have improved where staff are given standing desks. What do you think? Is it worth a try?
36 people like this
33 responses
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
10 Feb 16
my main computer is by my bed so I can sit up or lie down to use it
6 people like this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
10 Feb 16
@Auntylou my room is very small so few other options
3 people like this
@JudyEv (326275)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Feb 16
@arthurchappell My back doesn't like me using a computer in bed.
3 people like this
@just4him (307505)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
10 Feb 16
I've been seeing a commercial a lot lately for the varidesk. It allows a person to sit or stand and do their work. You can find out more information about it at varidesk.com. I haven't looked it up yet, but it does sound intriguing. I know all this sitting isn't good for me or anyone for that matter.
5 people like this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
13 Feb 16
I have looked a bit at these types of variable height desks and they are wonderful--but a bit pricey--I am thinking that IKea either has or will come out with a less expensive version soon
1 person likes this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
10 Feb 16
I have seen chairs and the such where people can sit at their desk and exercise their legs. I imagine this helps somewhat.
I try to get up and walk around for a few minutes between tasks. I do part of my "dailies" in the kitchen and am able to get up and walk around there for a few minutes each hour.
3 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
10 Feb 16
@Auntylou 
Though I must admit atleast once or twice per night it is for a snack! (the reason I get up).
We were not meant to be sedentary and yet technology has allowed us to become more and more so. I wonder what the evolution of the human body will be like in 100 years with so many sitting down more than standing up now.
Though I must admit atleast once or twice per night it is for a snack! (the reason I get up).
We were not meant to be sedentary and yet technology has allowed us to become more and more so. I wonder what the evolution of the human body will be like in 100 years with so many sitting down more than standing up now.1 person likes this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
10 Feb 16
@ScribbledAdNauseum You are very honest!
I doubt whether we will change much in that time
1 person likes this
@MarshaMusselman (38663)
• Midland, Michigan
12 Feb 16
@Auntylou Go around the block if you have one, every few hours, or back and forth in front of your flat or whatever. Walk around your room, dance, whatever, that may help more than standing at a desk.
2 people like this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
12 Feb 16
@MarshaMusselman yes indeed . Just standing can be tiring. I do tend to wander around and dance if i am happy!
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
13 Feb 16
I think that is a brilliant idea! The chairs all seem to be very poorly designed and I think we do way too much sitting. I am going to redesign where my computer sits. I will let my computer sit while I stand.
2 people like this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
13 Feb 16
Well done@1hopefulman, I am standing as I write this !
2 people like this
@marguicha (215984)
• Chile
10 Feb 16
I would not be at the computer sdo much if I had to do it while standing. My back does not like that position
2 people like this
@rosekiss (30380)
• Eugene, Oregon
10 Feb 16
I am using a laptop which is on a laptop stand, and it is next to my easy chair. I don't sit at it all day long, as I have other things to do as well, as being here, so I do get up and walk around to get some exercize, and I also will take a walk outside too. When I take brekss, nost of the time, I will get up, so that I can strtch my legs, as I do need to do that from time to time.
2 people like this
@crystalvisions (440)
• United Kingdom
10 Feb 16
I hardly think putting a computer somewhere else when it is still in front of you is going to improve efficiency and health. Better if you add a pedal machine for your feet to work out and "peddle" whilst you type. Not that I have tried it since I have a computer trolley with no space underneath.
1 person likes this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
10 Feb 16
@crystalvisions If you try standing , you find you move around a bit more and moving away from the computer easier.
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
11 Feb 16
@crystalvisions You may well be right. I don't have the best chair. if I had more room I would get an exercise bike and use that at the same time !
@crystalvisions (440)
• United Kingdom
11 Feb 16
@Auntylou Its a good thought but I find it healthier to sit at a computer and with my back straight rather than hunched over. Having a smartphone and tablet seems to make me look down all the time which is possibly worse for my health than staring at a computer screen a few good inches away and sitting in a traditional chair in tandem.
1 person likes this
@suziecat7 (3350)
• Asheville, North Carolina
14 Feb 16
I work so hard running around at my 3 day a week job that I do forgive myself for sitting too long at the computer. Though I'm up and down all day since I'm the fidgety sort.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130195)
• India
10 Feb 16
I do spend time at the computer but keep getting up doing other chores around.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130195)
• India
12 Feb 16
@Auntylou It also helps our back as sitting for long hours is not advisable.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (36530)
• Toccoa, Georgia
10 Feb 16
It is a good idea. I try to get up on occasions and walk around and stretch when I have sat too long at the computer.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (36530)
• Toccoa, Georgia
11 Feb 16
@Auntylou Yes, that is what happens to me too.
1 person likes this
@Dragonairy1 (1722)
• Newcastle Upon Tyne, England
11 Feb 16
I stand up too much at work, so I'm a fan of sitting down.
1 person likes this
