Ease stress without losing out on time

Pressures in the workplace are continuing to mount, as the threat of redundancy shows no sign of abating. As such, companies are looking for innovative ways to help their staff relax and therefore become more productive. While some employees stick to the usual 30-minute lunch break or go for a quick walk to recharge their batteries, others are taking hand-on measures to help reduce stress levels. Now that temperatures are too much for most to bear, here are some tried and tested ways to help you relax. Massages Master developer Limitless is beginning a programme of massage sessions for tenants of its Downtown Jebel Ali complex. Each week therapists from Sasha spa at Ibn Battuta Mall will visit the offices to provide 30-minute head, neck and shoulder massages. Organiser Sarah Hendrie, Limitless's tenant relations' executive, says: "It's nice to offer something a bit different. I've not heard of it happening in Dubai before but regular massages can help you think more clearly." Massages are one of a number of initiatives at the corporation, which is also creating roof terraces with pools for those at the complex to have lunch or meetings to create a greater sense of community. Although a massage is more commonly done in a quiet, dim-lit room, people do not have to be worried about baring all in front of colleagues as they will remain fully clothed. Companies also have to provide an office or side room to allow privacy. Beautician Nilofer Khan, who will do the treatments, adds: "When you sit at a computer all day your body gets tired but massages improve blood circulation so feel better and more relaxed." Reiki At her previous company in London, Holly MacIntosh, 28, was offered regular reiki sessions to help her calm down at her desk. "It made me feel relaxed but don't know if that's psychological. My skin felt warm and it felt better than a massage but because it's so relaxing it made me sleepy," she says. Although now working in a less stressful environment in Dubai, it is something she would do again. "I'd do it as a relaxation exercise to switch off at the weekend but not at work where I have to be alert all the time," she says. Anne Cook, who runs The Healing Zone in Dubai, believes reiki is the ideal work relaxer as it is non-invasive but can have excellent results. It works by therapists placing their hands above the body and channelling energy to restore physical and emotional wellbeing. "Reiki is all about destressing. When you receive it, it makes the water molecules expand so energy can flow easier helping you relax. It's become very popular and a lot of men are now doing it for stress relief," Cook says. Simple stretches While massages and reiki require a therapist, there are exercises people can do on their own at their desk. Stretches are discreet but help to elongate muscles, encouraging blood to flow. Dr Andrew Devine, a specialist in family medicine, recommends rocking the feet back and forth from toes to heel to mobilises the leg muscles. He advises getting up every 30 minutes before carrying out this exercise: "For your upper body and shoulders, clasp your hands behind your head and bring the elbows forward to face the screen, then push them backwards as far as they will comfortably go. Repeat this slowly five times. You should slowly rotate your head through 360 degrees several times in both directions. You will feel all the muscles that support your head relax and contract," he says. Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here .