Stress can be positive and negative. Positive stress motivates individuals into action and increases productivity, creativity, job satisfaction - leading to a happier workplace. Negative stress has the opposite effect and leads to adverse emotional and physical symptoms- such as depression, anxiety, anger, headaches and insomnia.

So how can we better manage stress levels, to lead a more balanced working life?

Unfortunately we can’t always rely upon sympathetic employers to help us! And if you run your own business, then it is totally down to you to find ways to self manage the stress that you feel. One thing to consider is therapeutic massage.

What is therapeutic massage?
Therapeutic massage is when specialised blends of essential oils are used with either a deep therapeutic massage or a lighter holistic massage. The oils chosen will be dependant  upon the type of stress you are suffering; performance stress; burn out; exhaustion; mental stress; emotional stress; physical stress – the list in itself is stressful!

Before your massage begins, energy balancing techniques are used, to release energetic blockages to help unwind and relax your mind, to help achieve mind and body harmony. Then specialist massage techniques are used to release tension in tight, tense muscles in the back, neck, shoulders, arms and scalp.

How therapeutic massage may help stress relief

• Reduces the unwanted effects of negative stress on your mind and body – naturally
• Release emotional and energetic blockages
• Balance your energy levels
• Increase inner calm clarity and relaxation and restore mind and body balance

Treatment time usually takes 90 minutes but the benefits will last beyond the treatment time. In such a fast paced crazy world, we can often feel guilty about taking time out for ourselves. But maybe we should take heed from the wise words of Sydney Harris:“the time to relax is when you don’t have the time for it”!

Margaret Solomon, Massage therapist at The Waldegrave Clinic