Home offices can be hazardous to your health. A poorly positioned chair and keyboard can result in wrist problems like carpal tunnel syndrome that can actually prevent you from being able to type, while a chair with poor lumbar support can leave your back aching at the end of the day. It's worth your while to not only buy the best chair you can afford, but also to set up that chair and your office properly.

• Your chair height should be between eight and ten inches from the underside of your work surface.

• Your feet should fall flat on the floor; avoid crossing your legs.

• Your chair back should be adjustable vertically so that the curved section cradles the lower back.

• Your chair seat's length should reach from your knees to the base of your spine — this aids circulation in your legs.

• Your armrests should support your arms and shoulders, but should not impede the ability to push close to your desk or worktable.

• Your chair and desk should be positioned so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when you're using your computer keyboard, and your forearms are parallel to the desktop.

In addition to setting up your office properly, think about using it properly. Take regular breaks from the computer to rest your eyes and to stretch your muscles. Think about your posture: If you have a tendency to slouch, this can impede deep breathing and actually make you feel tired. Make it a habit to correct your posture every time the phone rings — imagine that there's a string attached to the top of your head, pulling you upright from your scalp: Your shoulders will naturally straighten.