This year, I converted my office desk into a sit-stand desk. Wow! I don’t know why I waited so long to update my workstation!

As a translator, I work long hours on a computer. Sometimes, I am so focused on my work that I neglect my posture until my “everything” hurts.

Now that I have a sit-stand desk, I am so much more productive. I no longer have work-related aches (headaches, back aches, soar buttocks, etc.). Here are the benefits I noticed since I switched to an adjustable desk.

• Better posture: I can sit, and I can stand! Sometimes, it’s wonderful to have these options.
• Stretching exercises: I like to stretch while I am working. Stretching also stimulates my breathing.
• Healthy moving: I find that I move more when I am standing. This also helps with weight loss because moving allowed me to burn more calories.
• Improved energy levels: I am vitamin D deficient which means I usually don’t have enough energy to keep me going through my workday. Now that I have a sit-stand desk, I find that changing from sitting to standing improves my energy level. Because I am energized, I am also happier, healthier, and more productive.

There are numerous articles on the Web that outline additional benefits on adjustable desks such as lower blood sugar levels, lower risk of heart disease, increased lifespan, etc. I am not a health care provider and have not conducted research on the subject, so I will not venture in these medical topics. However, I do have advice for you if you have a sit-stand desk (or thinking of acquiring one).

• Switch often from sitting to standing.
• Proper posture and ergonomics are important, whether you are sitting or standing.
• Make sure to properly adjust the height of your desk and monitors.
• Wear proper shoes or stand on a mat.
• Listen to your body and take regular breaks.

Do you have a sit-stand desk? Have you noticed positive changes to your posture, energy level, breathing, and overall health?