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       STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

      Tackling stress effectively is especially important in the workplace. Each year several million working days are lost as a result of stress. Two out of three medical consultations concern stress-related conditions.

      Stress is not only caused by a high-pressure job; anyone can succumb: from the managing director to the office cleaner. We spend a major part of our lives at work, or looking for it. Thus, what happens at work is vitally important to our health and well-being. Stress can occur if you are working in an environment or a job that is not really right for you, or if you feel that your abilities are being over or under stretched. Your section leader or your boss may not appreciate your personal attributes, or strained personal relationships may begin to have an extremely negative effect on you.

      CASE HISTORY

      Age: 20

      Sex: Female

      Profession: Student

      • Symptoms: Although Lillian complained of acne and dark circles under her eyes, the real problem was that she had lost the ability to concentrate. She was very worried about the approaching exams but her lethargic state prevented her from doing anything about it. She decided to try Indian head massage as a last resort.

      • After the first treatment: Her neck and shoulders, which had been as stiff as boards, opened up. She felt like a new person and because the stored-up, tense energy had been shifted she felt able to return to her flat and get down to some real study.

      • After subsequent treatments: Lillian found she couldn’t keep her eyes open during the sessions! She became much less stressed, her skin tone improved, the dark circles under her eyes disappeared and her smile returned. She was able to tackle her exams with confidence and she decided to tell her all her friends about Indian head massage.

      • Further recommendations: I suggested that Lillian should drink plenty of water, exercise daily and eat good, wholesome food, if possible avoiding the standard student fare of junk food.

      Your physical working conditions can also cause stress: a noisy office, working in a factory all day, sitting at a VDU screen, bad lighting and insufficient working space can all take their toll on your health and well-being.

      Check out the following situations. Have any of them affected your performance at work?

      • Trapped in an unsatisfying job

      • Responsibility without adequate authority

      • Lack of feedback

      • Geographic relocation

      • Inadequate rewards – low salary

      • Lack of stimulation at work

      • Poor prospects

      • Unsympathetic boss

      • Threat of redundancy

      • Hostile clients, customers and work colleagues

      • Deadlines

      • Frequent night shifts

      • Changes in working practice requiring new skills

      You’re not alone! According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), illness caused by stress in the workplace has increased by 500% since the mid 1950s. Fortunately, there is something you can do about it whenever you feel one or more of the symptoms of stress creeping up on you.

      If stress in the workplace is properly managed it can be re-experienced as a motivator. Indian head massage is well suited to the corporate environment because of its flexible and portable nature and the fact that the treatment is quick and the recipient does not need to undress. No creams, oils or special equipment are used. It is a time-saving therapy when time is of the essence because the therapist can come to you. When I see clients in the workplace, the treatment is quick (just 15 to 20 minutes) and easy to perform. It is therefore perfect for the office where time is precious.

      Office Exercises

      If you are one of the growing army of office workers in the West, then this exercise workout is especially designed for you. These de-stressing exercises are simple to perform and you don’t have to leave your office or even your desk to try them.

      This unique workout will take no more than 8 to 10 minutes. It can be fitted in at any time during your working day, no matter how busy you think you may be. Although being outside in the fresh air or regular visits to the gym are the best ways to exercise, these options are not always available in the high-powered office culture of the 90s. With long working hours, tight deadlines and job insecurity, it is difficult to make exercise a priority. But it is certain that without exercise you will start to feel the effects of stress and you will find that you are less able to cope with everyday pressure. Your mental and physical health will start to suffer.

      Fitting this workout into your office routine is the next best thing to visiting a gym for relieving tension, helping you to relax and correcting your posture. It will also help your concentration, enabling you to perform your work more efficiently throughout the day. Try doing this workout during your coffee or lunch break, or whenever you feel tired or that you just can’t cope. These exercises will give your mind a workout, as well as your body, making you feel more alert. In addition to this workout, try to start cutting down on tea and coffee, replacing them with mineral water. It is a good idea to have a large bottle of water on your desk to sip from whenever you feel like it and to try to finish the bottle by the end of the day. The combination of these exercises and the effects of less caffeine will mean you will notice a real difference in your body and mood within two to three weeks.

      BEFORE YOU START

      •Sit straight on a chair with your shoulders held back, hands on your lap, both feet

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