Darrin Zeer - Office Spa: Stress Relief for the Working Week

OFFICESpa

Stress Relief for the Working Week

by Darrin Zeer
illustrations by Frank Montagna

It isnt where you are...

Its how you are.

Welcome to the Office Spa.

Life has never been more fast-paced and stressful than it is in the twenty-first century. Most of us have become expert multitaskers. Cell phones, e-mail, and pagers have made it possible to be on call twenty-four hours a day, and the pressure and strain of juggling day-to-day tasks can leave you feeling mentally drained and physically worn out.

Its no mystery that when youre rested and healthy, your work is more satisfying, you make fewer mistakes, and you derive more enjoyment from the workplace. Of course you want to be healthy and happy, and your company wants you to be healthy and happy, but the challenge is how?

The spa is a centuries-old practice that is the perfect antidote for todays crazed workweek. Spas rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit with exercises such as yoga and meditation, and luxurious baths, massages, and exotic wraps, as well as nourishing foods. But where can you find a spa when you need it most? And who can afford time away from the office to indulge?

Office Spa offers more than fifty simple, stress-relieving exercises that you can enjoy right at your desk. None of them takes much time. Start your day with a quick wake-up meditation. Treat yourself to a stimulating herbal-tea steam while you return calls. Nurture yourself during those few free moments in between projects and meetings. Turn your cubicle into an oasis of calm. Try some relaxing reflexology during your lunch break, and after a hard day let your cares float away in a soothing bath.

Each day of the week has a different theme. Feeling tense on a Tuesday? Worn out on a Wednesday? Need to focus on a Friday? Turn to the section for that day of the week for tips on refreshing and rejuvenating yourself. If you have specific needs, look to the Quick Help Guide on page 9.

Work can be chaotic and stressful. Why not make each day an Office Spa day? Youll be glad you did.

1 I will breathe deeply and slowly, relaxing my body.

2 I will keep things simple, moving forward one step at a time.

3 I will focus on each step calmly.

4 I will not stress out about the little things.

5 I will treat myself to an Office Spa break whenever the need arises.

Dip your toes in before you dive...

This simple mask is a wonderful skin softener and is excellent for dry, sensitive skin. Breakfast will never be the same.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

2 tablespoons uncooked oatmeal

A few drops of honey

Directions

1 In a bowl, mix together the yogurt and oatmeal.

2 Add the honey and stir until smooth.

3 Gently massage the mixture onto your face, moving your fingertips in a circular motion and avoiding the eye area.

4 Leave mask on for five minutes while you prepare your breakfast or take a peek at the morning paper.

5 Rinse off the mask with warm water and feel your face pleasantly tingling.

Need a quick pick-me-up? Stimulate your senses with aromatherapy. The oldest form of medicine known to humankind, aromatherapy promotes health and well-being through the use of essential oils, the most concentrated essence of a plant. Ylang-ylang essential oil has a soft fragrance that helps calm anxiety. You can purchase a small vial at a health-food store or beauty shop. Store it in a desk drawer, and when you arrive at work on Monday morning, open the bottle and take a whiff.

Remember, its Mondaytake it easy today.

Are you ready to go beyond the tea bag? Create a tea corner on your desk with a nice Japanese or English teapot, some teacups, honey, and a selection of teas.

When you are ready for a break with a co-worker or client, share some tea. Get out a tea ball or strainer to hold the herbs. Add 2 tablespoons of herbs for each cup and place inside the teapot. Pour hot water into the pot, cover, and let steep for a few minutes.

Pour the tea into the cups and sweeten if desired. Peace can come from simple activities.

In many parts of Asia it is believed that good health is maintained by a flow of energy called chi. By pressing particular points on the face you can stimulate chi, relieve tension, and bring a glow to your cheeks. Let your fingers do the walking.

1. With the pointer finger of each hand, find a spot on each side of your face and press gently but firmly for a few moments. Do not rub or scrub. Continue by pressing different spots around your face.

2. With your fingertips, rhythmically tap all over your face like raindrops.

3. To stimulate circulation, gently pound your cheeks and forehead with loose fists.