Gleaming the cube

Turn on tunes
“Music relaxes and blocks out distractions, which sparks creativity,” says Alison Miller, Ph.D., a psychologist and life coach in Chicago. Find an endless stream of mellow music to suit the conservative vibe at work at www.pandora.com. Just make sure you respect your neighbors and use some headphones.

Lighten up
If it’s too dim, you’re more likely to strain your eyes or get sleepy, Miller says. Opt for a 40-watt bulb and bring in your own homey, cheerful lamp. Find a quirky, inexpensive one at Target (various locations throughout the city, www.target.com).

Have a ball
Sitting on a fitness ball engages your abs all day long,” says Kate Moran, a trainer at Equinox in the Loop. “You’ll also become more aware of your posture.” Your eyes should line up with the top of your computer monitor when the ball is inflated—that’s a 55cm ball for someone who is 5' 5" ($18, www.bodytrends.com).

Add greenery
“Most desks and cubicle partitions come in a muted, yet depressing shade of beige or gray,” Miller says. To perk up your space, purchase a colorful vase and refill it with fresh flowers every Monday morning (try A New Leaf, 1818 N Wells St, 312-642-8553).

Accessorize
“Pictures of loved ones can be uplifting and motivating,” Miller says. “Rotate in new ones every couple of months because your eyes will wander over images you’re used to seeing.” Find cool, cheap frames at CB2 (www.cb2.com). Warning: If your sweetie pie’s pic entices you to speed home before your work is done, you’re better off sans photos.

Declutter
You waste at least ten minutes a day navigating the tornado that is your desk—which, over a year, adds up to one work week. “Get hanging files, paper bins and drawer organizers,” Miller says (www.staples.com). Then tell your boss she owes you an extra week of vacation.