So there's been a fair bit of coverage recently about how bad it is for you to sit for 8 or more hours a day. In particular, the link to deep vein thrombosis (blood clots, often in the legs) concerns me. I have a family history of cardiovascular problems, and out of four grandparents, heart attacks killed all four of them at various ages.

Spurred on by boingboing editor Mark Fraunfelder's recent standing desk kick, I decided to make my own.

One of my previous roommates had abandoned his Ikea desk years ago, and it had laid dormant and disassembled in my storage closet for a few years. So I simply cut down the side boards of the desk on a table saw and reassembled it on top of my existing workstation. Some minor adjustments were required, but now I also have extra storage space on the lower level.

I definitely feel like my circulation and energy have improved, and I can actually appreciate sitting down after work. Foot pain was definitely the biggest hurdle to overcome. I had to get some insoles for my shoes, though I feel a gel mat will be a better long-term solution. A few of my co-workers have expressed what a great idea the standing desk is, while my bosses can't imagine why I'd want to stand when I could sit.