Things to keep at your desk to help you get through the workday

When she sits down, the director of health initiatives for Innovative Business Consultants said she needs to get on task right away.

On Oregon's cherrywood desk, you'll find a twisting bamboo plant, a bouquet of roses (now dried) that she received from her husband for their anniversary, a tube of stress relieving hand cream and a sea salt scented candle.

On the bookshelf behind her desk is a decorative glass bottle of colored sand that her son made when he was younger and framed photos of family vacations -- just a few things to make her office fun and inspiring.

Oregon came up with a list of items that you should keep at your desk or in your office to help you get through the workday.

FOOD AND DRINK

Oregon cautioned that your desk shouldn't be where you eat your meals.

But if your blood sugar is running low and you need a quick pick-me-up, Oregon said you should keep foods like granola bars, carrots, grapes, bananas, nuts and packets of instant oatmeal on hand.

"If you could have one piece -- but not the whole bag -- a little bit of dark chocolate is not always a bad idea," she said. "Chewing gum is another great thing if you're not on the phone or in meetings. That often can just kind of take the edge off."

Oregon said crackers aren't the best office foods unless they're measured into small bags. Before you know it, you could inadvertently consume a whole sleeve or box.

"You still want to be mindful of those categories and choices," she said.

Bring a water bottle to work. Oregon recommends storing tea bags and powdered flavor packets in a desk drawer.

"If you've got a fridge that you can stash a lime or lemon in, that's even better to slice up and add as well," she said.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

Have a smaller version of your home medicine cabinet at your desk.

A nail clippers, ibuprofen, bandages, cough drops and hand sanitizer, Oregon said are a must, even if your workplace's human resources office keeps a first-aid kit.

Be sure to routinely check expiration dates on medications; and don't forget to stock tissues. Some offices, Oregon said don't supply them.

STRESS RELIEF

Glancing at photos of family members and pets can be very relaxing, according to Oregon.

She displays scenery photos from family vacations, but she said looking at your child's school artwork hanging on your office wall or bulletin board could relieve stress. Tack up your favorite quote for inspiration.

"You might post a certificate, whether it's a degree or a certification that was achieved," Oregon said. "As much as that is to sell yourself to others, I think it's also a great reminder to yourself, 'This is what I've accomplished. This is one of the things I've worked hard for and succeeded.'"

You don't just want to appeal to your visual sense. Awaken your sense of smell with a scented candle. Oregon said she doesn't ever light hers, but just removing the candle's lid releases the soothing scent.

"We hear lavender -- we know that's calming and relaxing -- but it doesn't have to be that," she said.

Gadgets, Oregon said, are great to have as well. Try squeezing a stress ball or snapping a rubber band around your wrist.

Stream your favorite radio station on your smartphone or listen to the sound of ocean waves crashing or birds chirping.

"There's a lot of things and tools that are probably already there," Oregon said.

FITNESS

A sedentary office job can be hard on your body.

Oregon said you can keep some light weights or resistance bands in your office or change out your desk chair with a stability ball.

"That works your core when you're sitting on it," she said. "We're told we should make sure that we stand at least every hour for a couple of minutes. To do a set of exercises or stretches that way is helpful."

Slip on a pair of walking or running shoes and go outside during your breaks to get a little exercise.

"I just read a study today that said people who take their regularly scheduled breaks are more productive," Oregon said.

TEMPERATURE

If your office is too warm, you're going to feel sluggish. If it's too cold, you'll be focusing your energy on staying warm.

Bring in a space heater or fan, after checking with your employer first, to achieve a temperature that's comfortable for you. If these electrical appliances are forbidden, Oregon recommends dressing in layers.

"Many of us don't have that ability to alter the thermostat as a whole," she said. "What are those other aids that we can bring in and have? Anymore, both the fans and the little space heaters are much safer."

ORGANIZATION

Oregon said your desk doesn't have to be completely clutter-free, but she said when papers and pens have their set place we tend to feel more productive and less stressed.

"Every so often, I think, a workstation or office needs a little bit of house cleaning," she said.

Oregon keeps client information in white binders stacked on her bookshelf. File cabinets conceal confidential participant information. She said she uses less paper than she did 10 to 15 years ago, which she likes.

IBC recently moved some employees up to the second floor and others down to the first floor. Oregon, who stayed put on the second floor, said concealing electrical cords was a priority after the move.

"We can do a better job of hiding these because visually it was a bit of a jumble," she said. "Everybody has different thresholds as far as what they can tolerate."