You can add some flavor to your work space without making it look too cluttered. Just put up a few photos of your favorite people or places, a lovely piece of art, or a card that makes you smile. Adding a plant or bouquet of flowers to your desk can also make your space more visually appealing. Every fifteen minutes or so, take a break from your computer and rest your eyes on these favorite items. A zen garden can help you feel calmer and less overwhelmed. Take a five-minute break every hour or so to rake your zen garden, and feel soothed by the sound of the rake pushing through the sand. Rearranging the garden a bit can also make you feel more calm and in control. The zen garden would also create another perfect resting spot for your eyes. You will feel less stressed at work if your desk is more organized. Make sure your desk isn't cluttered with anything beyond the essential items you use often, like a cup of pencils, notepad, and your phone, as well as the few visually-appealing items you've chosen for resting your eyes. File everything away neatly, and throw out any pens that no longer work. The more manageable your workspace feels, the more in control of your work and life you will feel. Take at least five to ten minutes at the end of every workday to organize your space. This will guarantee that the order you've set up will be maintained. If your space is more ergonomically organized, your body will be less tense and your mind will follow. If your hands are aching from so much typing, you should consider getting a split keyboard or a sideways mouse to ease the pressure on your wrists and fingers. Keep the things you use often within reach so you don't have to strain to find and use them. Adjust your seat so you are facing your monitor and aren't straining your neck by looking too far above or below you. If you don't have a swivel chair, you can consider getting one to keep your body active and engaged while you type. Swiveling around in the chair will make your time at work feel more fun and less monotonous. Though studies haven't concluded that a stability ball can improve your posture, sitting on this ball can just make work feel more fun and give you more freedom to move around. If sitting in a chair for many hours a day is causing you a lot of pain, you can consider getting a standing desk. This will improve your posture and can make you feel more calm at work. Light some sage (if your office allows it) or leave a bouquet of lavender on your desk and let the natural smells make you feel calmer and more at peace. Even adding some nice potpourri to your work space can make the environment feel more your own and can relax your mind and body. Make sure your work space is filled with soothing, soft light. You should have enough light to see clearly and to feel alert, but too much light, especially fluorescent lighting, can make you feel more anxious and worried. A desk lamp with a soft bulb covered by an opaque lid can mimic the soothing effects of a real candle. If you have a window in your workspace, try to be as close to the light from the window as possible. Your back should be positioned toward the window so the natural light can fall in front of you.

Summary: Create resting spots for your eyes. Add a zen garden to your workspace. Organize your desk. Create an ergonomic space. Consider alternate seating. Enjoy a soothing scent. Let there be light.


This will reduce eye strain. If the depth of your desk doesn’t allow this, move your monitor to a corner, request a flat screen monitor (if applicable), or purchase an attachable computer tray to create a deeper working surface. The monitor should always be directly in front of your face (preferably no more than 35 degrees to either side) and at or slightly below eye level. However, if you wear bifocals and usually tilt your head back in order to look down through them at the monitor, lower the monitor (or raise your chair) so that the monitor sits 15 to 20 degrees below eye level; note that this may require you to tilt the screen slightly upwards toward your face.  Avoid the need to tilt the head back, causing tension in the neck and shoulders. Consider getting a dedicated pair of glasses for computer work. of your monitor so that you can see clearly and without unnecessary strain. If you need the text larger to see, learn how to adjust the font and zoom in and out, without decreasing the resolution. Choose and arrange these peripherals individually. Don’t extend your arms far forwards or bend your elbows back to type. To reach the keyboard, your forearms should bend no more than 20 degrees above horizontal (if sitting) or 45 below (if standing). Keyboard trays can lower the keyboard and mouse, and help keep them within easy reach. Good ones allow you to adjust the position and angle, as well. Consider a keyboard tray, especially if you are shorter. Keep it in a position that will enable you to transition between typing and using the mouse with as little effect on your arm and wrist posture as possible.  If you have a 10-key on the right side of your keyboard, you may want to use your mouse on the left side; this centers the part of your keyboard that you use most. You can also alternate left and right-sided mouse usage to dilute the effects of repetitive use.  Choose a mouse which is the right size for your hands. Don't rule out "portable" mice (if your hands are smaller) or "gaming" mice if your hands are larger. Try to find a shop where you can try out a variety of mice. Adjust the mouse drivers in software, if you wish to change the speed of the cursor movement relative to the mouse movement. Adjust it so it feels right for you. If you have cables on your keyboard, mouse, or other peripherals, collect them so they are out of the way and do not pull against your work. Bundle monitor and other cables so they are out of the way. Place your phone, writing equipment, books and other frequently-used items within easy reach from where you sit. You should not need to stretch to reach frequently used objects. If you use a document holder, do not place it to one side of your monitor (unless you also use a second one on the other side); turning your head in one direction for prolonged periods fatigues the neck muscles. Instead, position the document holder directly beneath the monitor, angling it between the monitor and keyboard.  If you touch type and do a lot of transcription, consider placing the document holder in front of you, with the screen to one side. The main focus of attention is then straight ahead with occasional movements to view the screen.  Another option would be to provide a lectern that is positioned between the keyboard and screen. If you spend a lot of time on the phone, a hands-free set will leave your hands for other tasks. It will also prevent awkward neck positions from perching a phone between your shoulder and your ear.

Summary: Keep your monitor between 20 and 40 inches (50 and 100 centimeters) from your face. Adjust the monitor so that the center sits at eye level. Adjust the brightness and contrast Use a docking station to plug a laptop into a real monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Place your keyboard so that your upper arms hang vertically. Keep your keyboard at the right height. Place the mouse near the keyboard. Manage cables. Arrange items within sight and reach. Get a phone headset.


Tape off counters and walls with painter’s tape. Keep cleaning wipes nearby in case of spills or mistakes. You can also cut up old t-shirts or use old tube socks. Choose white fabric or fabric with very little dye left in it. Start with the bases of the cabinets. Then, move onto the doors and drawers. It’s better to apply several thin coats than one thick coat, because the wood must slowly absorb the liquid or gel stain. Then, repeat with a second and third coat.

Summary: Tape down drop cloths around the base of your cabinets if you are unable to remove them. Buy cloth with which to apply the stain. Apply the stain by dipping the cloth in it and applying a thin coat. Allow it to dry according to package directions.


One of the best places to start is by reading Steven Skiena's book The algorithm design manual. Read up on Big O notation. It is important to learn what ways can efficiently counteract them.
Summary: Read up on RAM (the random access machine). Learn about the limiting behavior of functions. Read about how worst case inputs can break your algorithm or cost you heavily in CPU processing time.