It really is hard to gripe about your job, especially with current unemployment numbers hovering around 10%. But let’s face it – work is work. Even if you’ve got a good job with great benefits, the day-to-day routine can get you down. A major share of your time is spent on the job, so you need strategies to enhance your time in the workplace.

1. Operation: Clean Up! It is all too easy to let housekeeping slide at home and at work. A clean, organized work area will make your attitude soar, so get going. By clearly labeling and keeping things neatly filed, whether it’s your email inbox or your filing cabinet, you will be a lot less stressed out knowing where everything is located! If corporate policy permits, do a bit of tasteful decorating by adding a photo of someone special, a plant or a couple of colorful desk accessories. But remember; keep it low-key – no flashing lights or beaded curtains.

2. You Are What You Eat. Sure, its easier to grab lunch from a fast food joint or a vending machine, but that stuff is loaded with sugar and fat – and when the sugar rush is over, you’ll feel awful. So eat healthy – think about packing a lunch, or make wise choices when you eat out. Bring a healthy snack. You’ll keep off the pounds, save some bucks, and you’ll be surprised how good you feel.

3. Move It! Yes, some jobs call for real physical exertion, however most workers spend their workday in an office, parked at a desk. Instead of turning into an office potato, put some moves into your workday, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or a brisk walk in at lunchtime – and you’ll find yourself smiling.

4. Shake It Up. Establishing a routine is good, but don’t let it become a rut. Look for ways to approach tasks in innovative ways and re-order how you do things. A new perspective can be a real moral boost.

5. Get Smart. In today’s economy, smart workers get smarter – they take classes, gain additional certification or pursue graduate degrees. Even if your schedule and/or budget make this impossible, look around your workplace. Are there professional journals you can read? Do you have co-workers who can help you learn new skills? Be the first to volunteer for a new challenge.

6. Teacher, Teacher. Everyone can use a sounding board. Is there someone you work with who can help you navigate the corporate labyrinth? Or is there someone you can help? Mentoring has great rewards – both giving and receiving.

7. Looking Out for #1. In case you’re wondering, #1 is you. In a busy work place, it is easy for good performance to get over-looked. If you’re doing a terrific job, find a way to get the word out to without looking like a jerk. Maybe you’ve found a way to ‘go green’ and put a former paper-eating task on-line. Write your boss a short, informational memo, describing the new procedure and outline the potential savings – and keep a copy for your own files.

8. Accentuate the Positive. Find a time every day – maybe in the evening before you go to sleep – to spend a few moments to think about the good things about your day. Even if the pluses are small, this simple meditation will raise your spirits.

9. Don’t eat by your desk – Eight or more hours sitting at a desk can take its toll on the best of us. It’s a good idea to get away from your cubicle every once in awhile so you can get a break from the grind. You will be much happier and more productive when you return!

10. Keep an organized to-do list – An organized to-do list will help you sort your priorities for the day, week, month, and year. This way, you won’t be scrambling for deadlines and you will know exactly where you stand on certain projects.

Even the best jobs can become dull and repetitious. These simple techniques and strategies can give you a real mood boost and help you improve your performance – two key elements in helping you along your career track.