Simple, right? Sure, if you don’t earn a living sitting at a desk from 9 to 5—which most of us do. The good news is that a stack of books and some motivation can be your realistic solution. While a growing number of companies are willing to pay for pricy standing desks, even a simple DIY standing desk can all but eliminate the neck, back, and wrist issues standard desks can cause, says Kelly Hartshorne, RN, the health and safety services manager at Rodale, Inc (Prevention’s publisher). (Have wrist pain? See The Vitamin That Heals Carpal Tunnel.) Not convinced? Prevention fitness editor, Jenna Bergen, is a standing desk convert. “Working at my standing desk makes me feel more awake, and my body is far more engaged throughout the day,” she says. Here’s how to craft your own DIY standing desk: The keyboard: Using a box, basket, or a stack of books, elevate your keyboard to the height where your forearms are parallel to the floor when you’re standing, without any creases in your wrists, says Hartshorne. Align your mouse on the same plane so that you’re not bending or reaching for it, which puts strain on your neck and shoulders, she says. The monitor: Use another box or an inexpensive monitor stand to prop up your monitor so that the top toolbar on your screen is at or below eye level. Ideally, you want to glance down at your screen like you’re reading a book, says Hartshorne, as this position naturally relaxes your neck and shoulders while helping prevent dry eyes. The distance: After you’ve centered the monitor and keyboard to you (not the desk), put it at a distance that works for your eyes, starting at arms length away. Bifocals and progressive lenses make it difficult to find the sweet spot but, “remember to adjust the monitor, not your own neck and head,” says Hartshorne. The execution: Ease into being on your feet at work by standing every time you get a phone call. When you’re ready to make the desk change, begin with 30-minute intervals every two hours, increasing that time as you build up tolerance, says Hartshorne. And don’t forget to arm your space with a pair of comfortable shoes or slippers—though the fuzzy pink slippers are your call. More from Prevention.com: 4 Things You Should Never Do At Your Desk
