Take stress out of your office space

Want to live a healthier life? Start in your office! Here's some workplace intel, and what you need.

1. A well-placed monitor- the top of your computer screen should be at eye level, and about 18-20 inches away from you. And avoid the glare that can make you tired; do not put your computer in front of a window.

2. A calming color for the walls in your office; cooler hues like light blue or lavender are calming, and will help lower your stress level. Hang a picture of the ocean, the sky or a country field.

3. Soothing sounds- background noise, like the traffic outside, ringing phones, or the constant din of conversation can stress you and make you eat more. Try a fan for some white noise, or a sound machine or iPod to help block it out.
4. A neck-saving phone-get a headset to avoid neck and shoulder pain from cradling the phone between your shoulder and ear.

5. Last? A window, if you can- natural sunlight will help suppress the hormone melatonin, and increase the brain's levels of seratonin, a calming chemical, making you feel more alert, and less stressed!