An Object at Rest Stays at Rest… and Dies at Rest

As a business person in internet technology, I spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen and sitting down. There really aren’t very many alternatives to this – technology advances and advances until finally it comes full circle – and you still end up where you started. In your chair. On your backside.

Side Effects of Our Tools

As the father of two young boys, I want to live a while so that I can be there for them. I want to see them grow up, go to college, get married and have children. I want to be around when they complain about how little sleep they get when their children are very young. That’s the part of this “circle of life” I absolutely wouldn’t miss for the world!

The tools of the trade for this industry require that you be sedentary. Most business professionals spend their days (and nights) living lives that require very little activity. You might even say that “sitting” is a job hazard. In fact, I would say that if you didn’t, you weren’t seeing things clearly. This isn’t the only industry that has risks, but it is the most sublime. As a former professionally trained carpenter, I used hammer guns, nails, circular saws. As a commercial electrician, I was constantly presented with tools that put me in harm’s way. One false move could literally end my life.

But the dangers of a “keyboard” and “monitor”… ah, there’s the real danger…

Sit Down and Descend to an Early Grave

I read an article from the Atlantic about two months ago that really jived with me. I had been concerned about my health – even more so since the birth of my youngest son – about four months ago. So, being a former carpenter, I built a small table and put it on top of my desk so that I could stand at work. It was really beautiful work – I placed my laptop on it and was able to stand up and move around while I worked. I’ve even been thinking of building something like a Lifespan Fitness Treadmill desk to go over a treadmill that I will need to purchase.

I’m not sure yet, whether it’s less expensive just to buy the desk from Lifespan now and save myself the time.

Stand up, Walk around, and Live Longer

In the end, I’m concerned. I’m concerned about my health and wellness and being around for my kids. I don’t want my profession and business success to send me to an early grave. History is full of examples of successful businessmen and women have done unimaginable things at the price of their very lives. I want to avoid that – and hope to do it by simply standing.