Are you feeling a bit stressed? (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Are you feeling a bit stressed?

Our working hours exceed recommended amounts, we spend longer at the office than other European countries, and we wonder why we are stressed. But some are finding that alternative therapies help reduce the stress. Masseuse Maureen Jones of MJ BodyCare explains the different types of therapies available and how they can help us to relax

GOVERNMENT figures produced recently reported a staggering seven million working days and £4 billion is lost to industry in Britain every year by absenteeism through work-related stress.

In today's hectic world our lives are more and more susceptible to illness brought about by stress, and it is now the biggest occupational health problem in the EU.

The medical profession has been aware of this problem for some time. GPs in Swindon have seen a growing number of patients coming to them with physical and psychological illnesses brought about by stress that is either directly or indirectly linked to the person's place of work.

Although a certain amount of stress in everyday life is acceptable, excess amounts over a prolonged period of time can lead to all sorts of medical problems, including high blood pressure, strokes and even a heart attack.

Stress at work may also have a devastating effect on morale and is counter-productive throughout the organisation.

Britain is renowned for the culture of long working hours and unpaid overtime is still the norm in many industries. This is one area where stress levels may increase through tiredness.

Employees may also find that long working hours have a negative effect on their relationships at home, leading to more stress and a build-up of resentment.

Organisations can protect themselves from stress-related absenteeism by being aware that it can be a problem and taking measures to prevent it.

First of all employers should ensure their staff are not regularly exceeding the 48-hour working week recommended by the Department for Trade and Industry under the Working Time Regulations Act 1997. And secondly, ensure all staff take a break of at least an hour away from the working environment at lunch time.

These two measures alone can help in the fight against stress.

But there is a third 'alternative' way of cutting stress levels at work.

Alternative therapy is now recognised by organisations worldwide as an acceptable means of fighting the problem.

There are many different types of alternative therapies, ranging from reflexology to iridology. But for the workplace environment, Indian head massage and body massage are two therapies that can be administered at the employee's desk, workstation or in a separate room, as in most cases there is no need to remove clothing.

Indian head massage is excellent for relieving tense muscles, eyestrain, headaches and migraine.

The benefits are both physical and psychological. It boosts the immune system, improves blood flow, increases concentration levels, provides general relaxation and promotes a feeling of wellbeing.

Areas treated are the upper back, neck, shoulders, arms, head and face. The treatment lasts from five minutes to an hour, depending on the individual, the environment and time constraints.

Body massage has a similar effect, and treatment is adapted to suit the individual and the environment.

It has been practised as a natural therapy for many thousands of years and can complement other therapies, helping to speed recovery of minor injuries before they become a major problem.

The upper back, neck, shoulders and arms are treated, and usually clothing need not be removed.

Posture can also be improved by both therapies, so backaches, headaches and stress migraines can be reduced and often cured through effective treatment.

Massage aims to work on the symptoms that cause negative feelings, and carried out by a trained and capable masseur, it can produce a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.

As it balances the body, mind and spirit levels, the individual will become less anxious and the likelihood of stress occurring is reduced.

One major Swindon company, Intel, based at Pipers Way, already offers a masseur service through their occupational health department.

Sue Mitchell, the onsite occupational health adviser, said: "Here we prefer to focus on well-being and the promotion of health in the widest sense.

"We encourage employees to take an active approach in monitoring and improving their health and personal resilience. We support them with a programme of policies, practices and events that reflect and encourage these attitudes.

"In an intense working environment, it's important that our people feel stimulated by daily challenges, not overwhelmed.

"Our alternative therapy offerings is one important component in enabling employees to maintain control of their life and their health, and massage is a popular way to help with this goal."

Any company, group or individual interested in alternative therapy as a means of fighting stress can contact Maureen Jones at MJBodyCare on 01793 324966 or Anjelika Breukers on 01793 741004.