5 Healthy Office Upgrades Your Mind, Body—and Coworkers!—Will Thank You For

Did you get the memo? Working in an office may take a toll on your health. But you can cultivate a healing environment with these feel-good fixes.

Visual Stimuli. Researchers in South Korea found that exposure to art helps people think more creatively. You don't need four white walls to turn your space into a gallery; simply prop up some prints. Or display a gazeworthy calendar, like Rifle Paper Co.'s Féte des Plantes desk calendar ($18; riflepaperco.com), which depicts floral festivals from around the world.

The Sound of Solitude. Office din not only distracts but may also sap motivation, according to a small study from Cornell University. Block out the commotion and lose yourself in your "focus music" (or silence) with Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($249; bose.com). They sit discreetly inside your ears so cubicle mates won't notice you're ignoring them. If someone needs your attention, you just press a button to tune in.

Breaths of Fresh Air. Many office buildings have poor ventilation that traps chemical pollutants from carpeting and furniture, as well as allergens. Breathe a little easier with the Levoit LV-H132 air purifier ($90; levoit.com), a compact device that has a HEPA filter to catch dust, mold, and unhealthy volatile organic compounds, plus an activated carbon filter to keep the air in your office smelling fresh.

A Treat for Feet. Using a standing desk might be a good way to get out of your chair, but you're not guaranteed to actually move around more. And time on your feet can lead to body aches: Australian researchers found that two hours of standing at a desk resulted in swelling in the legs and all-over discomfort. The cushioned Ergodriven Topo ($89; ergodriven.com) standing mat has raised edges and varied surfaces that encourage shifting your weight throughout the day.

Order, Order! A cluttered desk sometimes indicates an overwhelmed mind—and may prompt less-savvy food choices, too. That's according to researchers from the University of Minnesota, who found that people choose a more nutritious snack after performing a task in a tidy setting than in a disorderly one. Stay organized—and away from the vending machine—with a desktop file sorter that keeps everything in its place (Russell + Hazel acrylic file sorter, $30; containerstore.com).

This story originally appeared in the December 2018 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.

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