1. Get a foot rest. If this isn't possible, put a book or other flat item under the chair so feet can rest comfortably. Otherwise, dangling your feet puts pressure on the lower back and leads to fatigue. Especially troublesome is crossing the ankles or the legs.

2. Don't rest fully against the seat back. Occasionally leaning back and stretching is beneficial, but depending on the back of the chair for posture can lead to slumping and rounded shoulders—another bad habit for the lower back. Instead, get a lumbar support and make sure to keep your shoulders back and spine straight.

3. Place the computer monitor at the correct height. Looking too far down at a monitor or too far up creates a tough situation for the neck and often leads to strain. Adjust the monitor height by looking straight ahead without tilting your chin in either direction and placing the monitor at a 15-degree down angle from your eyes.

4. Consider an ergonomic keyboard. To reduce wrist strain and the chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome, many people rely on keyboards that might look funky but are actually very useful. Some are split in half, so the hands are further away from each other, while others are tilted upward or are elevated in certain sections of the keyboard. Try out a few different kinds at an office supply store to determine what's ideal for you.

5. Move the computer mouse from the elbow, not the wrist. Flicking the wrist from side to side will put stress on the joints. Instead, make controlled movements with the elbow as a pivot point, and keep the wrist straight.

6. Throw away your wrist rest. Although some people enjoy a wrist rest when using a mouse, these little items are actually not ergonomically sound—they tend to double the pressure inside the arm's carpal tunnel.

7. Use an external keyboard with a laptop. For short intervals, laptop keyboards are fine, but if it's your primary work machine, it's advisable to plug in another keyboard to prevent repetitive stress on your hands and wrists. Laptop keyboards are more compact than traditional keyboards and tend to cause hand cramps more often, so looking into an external, full set keyboard is a wiser choice.

8. Get up and move on a regular basis. Sure, that report won't write itself, and that full email inbox needs to be handled, but make sure to get out of your chair at least once per hour. Doing some "chair yoga" or stretching is helpful as well, but something as easy as walking to the office kitchen and back can be beneficial.

9. Change position frequently. Move your feet from one side of the desk to another, and stretch your ankles by flexing and pointing your feet occasionally. Adjust your hips, arms and back, and settle back into your chair in a slightly different position. Creating subtle posture adjustments throughout the day prevents stiffness and fatigue.

10. Create your own plan. Although many ergonomic guidelines have now become classics in the workplace, it's ultimately about what works best for your body. What might be ideal for one person could be a disaster for another. Change your setup periodically to see if it makes a difference in your daily comfort level, especially if you're currently experiencing much discomfort. And creating a work environment speckled with personal items such as frames, plants and travel memorabilia will help set you at ease and let you enjoy, at least in part, being in the office. And remember to breathe!