RELIEVING STRESS AT WORK

Our work patterns have changed so much over the years that we now find ourselves involved in far more sedentary work practices than we did previously.  Advances in technology and the increased use of computers has obviously changed both our work lives and our private lives dramatically.

With this comes an increase in the amount of tension in the body as well as a subsequent  build up of emotional stress as well. This is because our bodies are designed for movement, and our muscular system works best when it is active and dynamic.  In a previous article, I spoke about the perils of sitting down for long periods of time and the effect it has on the body. No where else is this more evident than in many of our workplaces.  When we limit our movements and hold our bodies in relatively static positions for long periods, such as sitting at a desk , we create a range of problems for ourselves. It is in this context that massage becomes such a valuable tool for relieving stress in the workplace.

A typical office worker is likely to hold their back, neck, shoulders, arms and eyes in static positions for long periods of time. The result can be that our muscles start going into an almost permanent state of tension which means they are no longer working efficiently. Blood flow is restricted to the brain and throughout the entire body leading to tiredness and irritability as well as poor concentration and decision making. If there is no movement to release muscle tension, toxins build up in the muscle tissue and the result will be unwanted and annoying  aches and pains as well as common workplace injuries such as RSI and  carpal tunnel  syndrome. You may even start to develop one of the more modern ailments which is affecting many business people today, that being “Blackberry Thumb” !

Add the physical stress to the emotional stress of deadlines, frustration and pressure to perform in your job, and you have a combination of factors which can seriously damage your health and wellbeing.

To try and discharge this stress in the workplace, or at home for that matter, there are a number of things you can do. Aside from getting up from behind the computer and the desk for a 5-10 minutes break every hour to stretch and walk around, you can try some self massage techniques to keep the mind and body active and alert.

To release neck tension try this simple technique.  With one hand, grab a handful of flesh from the back of your neck. Squeeze it as hard as you feel comfortable and hold the pressure, slowly nodding your head up and down at the same time. Mentally say the word “yes” as you do this. Keep breathing slowly as you repeat this movement a couple of times. Swap hands and this time shake your head from side to side mentally saying “no” inside your head.  You’ll be surprised what a difference this simple yet effective self treatment makes.

It’s important especially if you’re sitting in front of a computer screen for any extended period of time, to adequately rest your eyes.  By focussing on a fixed plane of vision for too long, our eyes become tired leading to poor concentration and cognitive skills such as decision making. To release taut eye muscles try the following exercise. Vigorously rub your palms together so they become warm and energised, then place them over your eyes, your fingers resting on your forehead. Close your eyes. Hold for a few minutes while your eyes rest in the darkness of your hands. Use the time to focus on your breathing and focus on letting go of tension as you breathe out.

Co-worker massage is great too for a quick fix to release tension. A five minute shoulder and neck massage will do wonders to get the circulation going and relax the upper body. The trick of course is convincing your co-workers to give it a go!  Many large companies and even smaller businesses for that matter, regularly treat their staff to workplace massage treatments and have found there to be a corresponding increase in staff productivity as well as morale.

Whether or not you are fortunate enough to be able to enjoy the benefits of “Corporate Massage” , you can still take some quick and simple steps to prevent as well as release workplace stress and tension.  Things such as getting up from your work station regularly and moving around, gentle stretching, self massage, co-worker massage or regular massage treatment from your Therapist, will all go a long way to making your workday that much more enjoyable!

By Peter Dawson from Knead Massage

Tagged as: co-worker massage, corporate massage, group activity, Massage, movement, posture, self massage, stretching, vivos active, walking