With our lives getting busier and busier, it's easy to see why many people lose energy and gain stress during the most important part of the day at work.

Let's face it, working can be stressful. And sitting in front of a computer all day and answering the phone can cause our bodies to become tense and our muscles to ache.

But from eating the right food to practicing office yoga, there are ways to keep yourself healthy at work.

Joanne Mills, a busy mother of six, starts her day off right with a protein breakfast. She takes the stairs as often as she can, and when she's not moving, she is making sure her brain is.

"I think of the good things in my life, which are relaxing to me," she said. "Plus, they make me feel good, and when I feel good, I have energy."

Kate Polomsky is another woman who likes to stay energized.

"I make sure I keep a bottle of water available throughout my day just to keep me hydrated (and) keep me moving," Polomsky said. "Even just the trips to go get another bottle of water keep me up and moving throughout the day. It always helps to smile whenever you are dealing with a customer (or) with any co-workers. It's an extra perk to get you moving."

Fitness expert Ann Schraibman offered suggestions to stay energized, starting with nutrition.

Interactive All About Stress Workstation Ergonomically Correct?

"(Don't) eat a real heavy meal for breakfast or for lunch, but eat small meals, snacks throughout the day," she said.

Low-carbohydrate and high-protein snacks like peanut butter, crackers, cheese, fruit, yogurt and even protein bars also give people energy.

When it comes to drinks, water is the best. Steer clear of sugary, caffeinated drinks like pop and coffee. If you want something more than water, drink decaffeinated.

Physical activity during the day -- even stretching at your desk -- can result in a burst of energy.

Schraibman said stress management is also important.

"Sometimes that's keeping your door shut, sitting on the floor, or getting a quiet space and doing some breathing (and) relaxation exercises," she said.

She said stretching can be an energy booster, as well.

"There's a lot of stress in the lower back and hamstrings because you're sitting all day," Schraibman said. "A really great one to do at your desk is to just stand a little bit farther away from your desk than your arm length and shift your weight to one leg. The other leg is extended, and sit back."

This keeps the lower body stretched and helps a person breathe easier, too.

For a full-body stretch, all a person needs is a doorway.

"You can place both hands on the outside of the doorway and gently, slowly walk in and slowly extend the arms," she said.

Schraibman said another way to get energized is to try to find a quiet spot at work and just take deep breaths.

Darrin Zeer travels across the country helping the busy worker relax.

"If a body part hurts, then you think about your office environment. What am I doing wrong?" Zeer said.

He advises the computer worker to get support pads for their wrists to help with muscle strain. Then do stretches.

"Stretch your fingertips right up toward the ceiling," Zeer said.

Zeer said even the busiest person has time for office yoga.

"There's some body part that's not being used, that's the point of office yoga to be doing it while you're working," he said.

Zeer said that workers forget to breath and, hard as it is to believe, they can use some of their office time to relax.

"You know, those few seconds it takes to make a copy? That's time enough for a stretch," Zeer said.

In just seconds, you can change how you feel at work.

"You're going to be more efficient. You're going to be more productive. You're going to make more money and you're also going to be more calm," Zeer said.

The yoga expert said this isn't a quick fix and that you have to practice yoga frequently.

Zeer's Office Yoga Moves

Human Basketball Net

Raise your arms straight above your head.
Interlace your fingers.
Alternate palms downward and upward.
Stretch and breathe.
Stretch your arms out in front and relax your shoulders.

Kick Back Log-On Pose

Interlace your fingers behind your head.
Relax your elbows and shoulders
Smile, breathe and stretch your elbows back.
Let the tightness release slowly.
Repeat throughout the day.

E-Mail Meditation

While you are reading e-mail, remember to breathe slowly and focus your attention on your breath. Make the "out" breath two times longer than the "in" breath. This will immediately calm you.

Open-Chest Stretch

Sit near the edge of a chair.
Hold the sides of the seat.
Gently stretch up and forward.
Open your chest and tilt your head back.
Relax and breathe into the stretch.

Read more about Zeer's book.