Søren Kierkegaard, a pioneer of existentialist philosophy born in 19th-century Denmark. The sharp, original philosophical aphorisms and writings he left behind were completed at multiple standing desks placed throughout his house. Kierkegaard was a unique walker who strolled the streets of Copenhagen every day. He was anxious that the inspirations gathered on the street would dissipate during the domestic routine of taking off his coat and organizing items upon entering the house. Thus, the moment he opened the door, he ran straight to a standing desk while still wearing his hat and coat. Today, BuildSelf shares the neuroscientific principles behind Kierkegaard’s standing writing routine and how to capture ideas instantly.
Historical & Academic Evidence
This content is based on Joakim Garff's 'Søren Kierkegaard: A Biography' & Applied Ergonomics.
1. Cognitive Warm-Up Effect After Movement and Alertness Maintained by Standing Work
Immediately after physical activity (walking), the brain is in a state of ‘Cognitive Warm-up’ where dopamine and norepinephrine secretion are active. Linking this state directly to writing transplants idea synapses into the brain’s logic areas.
Additionally, standing writing (Standing Work) slightly tenses leg and core muscles, keeping the heart rate in a light aerobic state compared to sitting. This increases oxygen flow to the brain and prevents drowsiness, accelerating Working Memory speed. Standing to write immediately prevents attention residue and captures thoughts before they fade.
2. 3-Step Practical Routine for Modern Professionals
Secure Standing Posture Immediately Upon Return of Idea
Upon returning from a walk or commute, delay normal rituals like organizing bags or sitting down. Head straight to a standing desk or a high shelf immediately.
Extract Ideas for 10 Minutes Wearing Outwear
Hold a prepared pen with your coat still on. Before other distractions break your train of thought, write down the outline of key ideas and sentences you need to address immediately for 5-10 minutes.
Deactivate standing mode and Rest After Completing Outline
Once the main outline of thoughts is written, take off your coat and unpack. Now, sit down comfortably and begin refining and formatting the rough draft in the next work step.
3. A brain-scientific word for a successful routine
Capture thoughts before they slip away. Our brain turns off many cognitive switches when transitioning from movement to rest. During the 5 minutes of entering, dropping bags, and sitting, bright ideas vanish. Standing to write for just 10 minutes upon return captures that hot stream of thought perfectly.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to write standing up? Can't I sit down? ▼
Sitting on a sofa or chair immediately after returning induces rapid relaxation and drops alertness. The standing posture maintains physical arousal to preserve working memory, making it cognitively advantageous to stand for those first 10 minutes.
