I've been standing at my desk for about 2 months now and I can say that it's made a huge difference. I just use a pile of books. It's "adjustable" in that if I want to sit, I just move a few books.
The physical benefits are that my ass doesn't hurt nearly as much and my back feels better (if I am careful not to slouch) [1].
I also feel there is a benefit in terms of the "take-a-walk-and-get-a-good-idea-effect". I'm not sure if there is any science behind this, but I feel that I can think more clearly when I am walking around away from my computer. I've found part of this benefit is acquired by just standing all the time. When I'm in the zone, I don't have to take a break to get up and walk around.
If you're considering trying standing at your desk, try it out for a week by piling up the books by your desk.
Be warned though, one negative is that people definitely come over and interrupt more often. I think the fact that they can see me standing (and no one else) from across the office gives people the impression I'm only casually involved in my work at the moment.
[1] At first my feet really started hurting in the afternoons. I bought a fairly expensive floor mat (e.g. gelpro) and this has really helped.
Re: "not sure if there's any science in this". Brain rules by John Medina ISBN 9780979777707 provides compelling evidence that you're probably thinking along the right lines. An interesting read.
The physical benefits are that my ass doesn't hurt nearly as much and my back feels better (if I am careful not to slouch) [1].
I also feel there is a benefit in terms of the "take-a-walk-and-get-a-good-idea-effect". I'm not sure if there is any science behind this, but I feel that I can think more clearly when I am walking around away from my computer. I've found part of this benefit is acquired by just standing all the time. When I'm in the zone, I don't have to take a break to get up and walk around.
If you're considering trying standing at your desk, try it out for a week by piling up the books by your desk.
Be warned though, one negative is that people definitely come over and interrupt more often. I think the fact that they can see me standing (and no one else) from across the office gives people the impression I'm only casually involved in my work at the moment.
[1] At first my feet really started hurting in the afternoons. I bought a fairly expensive floor mat (e.g. gelpro) and this has really helped.