As an experienced health editor, I know firsthand the beauty benefits of healthy living. My speed dial reads like a who's who of the health world; dermatologists, dietitians and fitness experts are my closest collaborators. I'm known to wear workout clothes to the office and tap away at my laptop while pedaling on a stationary bike. (Ask my coworkers.)

Needless to say, I come across a lot of health advice and trends, and my perfectionistic nature compels me to test them all — from L.A.'s hottest workouts to the latest and greatest superfood. However, there are a handful of tricks I've learned that stand the test of time. These tiny tweaks will make you happier, calmer and fitter — which, in turn, will help you look and feel more beautiful.

Image via Imaxtree

For me, outer order provides inner calm. When my desk is organized, I feel prepared for whatever might come my way -- whether it's interviewing a super-fit celebrity on the fly or dissecting the latest nutrition study. Researchers say that's because clutter is a reminder of the things that should be getting done, but are falling by the wayside. Such reminders lead to that anxious, I'm-so-behind-on-everything feeling (which does not look good on anyone). When I start to feel frazzled, I do a quick, clean sweep. If I don't have time to do a "Hoarders"-worthy purge (being a beauty editor equals a lot of product accumulation), I simply organize my papers and products into neat piles. According to experts, even the illusion of being organized is enough to provide a sense of calm -- which is the cornerstone of healthy living. When you can return to a place of Zen, even amid chaos, it will show in your face (fewer wrinkles) and your actions.

Sometimes it feels like it's a race to finish my lunch. Scarfing down a sandwich between meetings hardly qualifies as quality mealtime, but it's my de facto eating style when I'm under the gun. It's also a habit I'm trying to fix. Here's why: People who eat quickly are three times as likely to be overweight as those who approach mealtimes mindfully. They also consume an extra 70 calories per meal (that's the equivalent of a Pilates class) because by the time their belly gets the memo that it's full, they've already devoured every last crumb. When we listen to our body, we're able to give it more of what it needs, and less of what it doesn't. It's such simple advice, but so often forgotten (even by me). To give my body time to process the food I've taken in, I chew each bite for 15 to 20 seconds, and try not to multitask while eating.

When it comes to sweets and treats, there is harm in "just looking." In one study, researchers doled out Hershey's Kisses to two groups of female office workers. One half of the women received them in opaque jars, while the other half got theirs in clear glass jars. Those who could see the chocolate ate 71 percent more. Conclusion: We eat what we see. Luckily, that goes for healthy food, too. A fruit basket placed in your line of vision will encourage smarter snacking.

To keep enticement at bay, ask coworkers to put their candy jars and baked treats in the kitchen, and donate a gorgeous opaque tin to the cause. To keep cookies and chips out of your house, steer clear of the junk food aisle at the grocery store. If you don't go there, you can't be tempted.

As another reminder, my desktop background -- the place that most people reserve for pictures of family members or palm trees -- features a colorful, screen-spanning picture of fruits and vegetables that look like they've just been plucked from a farmers market. It's a little unorthodox, but it keeps me from wandering into the kitchen -- where off-limit foods lurk.

The unfortunate truth: You can be a total gym junkie with consistent exercise habits, but if you sit for more than 23 hours a week, your risk of heart disease skyrockets. Meaning: Your sedentary time at the office, commuting or watching "Pretty Little Liars" marathons is a powerful negative influence on your overall health and lifespan.

Sure, I enjoy a good spinning sesh at work from time to time, but I also know that I don't need to dramatically change my habits to offset my sedentary time. Just a few minutes of movement every hour is proven to cut cholesterol, blood sugar and waist size. I accomplish this by walking to a coworker's desk to ask a question instead of sending an email, grabbing a glass of water in the kitchen or reorganizing my bookshelf during a commercial break. Bonus: When I'm feeling tired or uninspired, this short burst of movement gives me an instant energy boost, no caffeine required.