Bust stress at your desk!

Police officers are being offered 15-minute Indian head massages at their desks to soothe the stress of the day. It's nothing new of course - there are dozens of different stress-busting techniques for the office.

"Research shows a 15-minute massage can help you work out a mathematical problem in half the normal time," says Alisdair Burcher, managing director of London-based firm StressBusters. "That's because it boosts circulation, which helps blood flow to the brain. It also makes you feel more alive."

Experts say City institutions and large companies such as Vodafone and BT are now calling on the services of "on-site therapists" to keep the lid on stress in the workplace. For as little as £12 a head for a 20-minute session, firms can help revitalise tired employees and boost productivity. So what are the best ways to ward off stress without having to leave the office?

Indian head massage

Perfect for the office as you keep all your clothes on. A specialist in massage works on the acupressure stress points to prove instant relief to the head, upper back, neck and shoulders. For computer users, it will also include massaging arms and hands to relieve weary muscles. Instead of making you sleepy, it boosts your energy levels. "Our clients never fail to be surprised at how amazing they feel after a treatment," says London-based firm Calmer Karma Limited.

Calmer Karma: 020 7565 5355 www.calmerkarma.org.uk; StressBusters 020 8450 7999 www.stressbusters.co.uk; Therapy At Work 07941 053602 www.therapyatwork.com

Corporate chair massage

This uses a special Japanese chair - provided by the therapist - which is designed to naturally stretch the back and help reduce muscle tension in the upper body. It does this by concentrating on the areas most affected by prolonged repetitive work, and treatment includes gentle stretches and exercises to boost energy. Each session lasts between five and 30 minutes and you remain fully clothed.

Available through Calmer Karma, StressBusters and Therapy At Work, as before.

Desk Feng Shui

Clutter is a major source of stress. If your desk is disappearing under a mountain of paperwork, it suggests things are getting on top of you. Feng Shui devotees say the office environment is very "yang" (masculine) - in other words busy, harsh and hard. To restore some feminine "yin" energy, which is soft gentle and calm, put flowers or a plant on your desk. This eases stress levels while plants are said to be good absorbers of negative energy.

The one-minute stress break

There's no need to even leave your desk for this one. Sit up straight, relax your neck and close your eyes. Try and imagine your head is suspended from above. When you breathe in, allow it to fill the bottom of your chest, then exhale slowly and empty your lungs. Count 10 deep breaths in this way, keeping your head and neck relaxed. Open your eyes, smile and think about what task you want to do next.

Online chill-outs

Your computer can be a source of stress, but it can also help alleviate it. Dedicated websites have been set up to help. One, called The Be Company (www.thebecompany.nl/relax_online. htm), has a set of interactive exercises designed to ease stress, lasting from one to five minutes. Screen prompts take you through the exercises. All you need to do is relax.

Stress toys

Relaxation techniques do not work for everyone. For those who prefer to take out their frustration in a more physical way, executive stress toys could be the answer. The executive punch bag - costing £19.95 - sits on the desk and hitting it is a great way to let off steam. Or try desk darts, the miniature dartboard - just six inches across - that costs £5.95. If you do fancy a massage but can't leave your desk, get a massage pen for just £14.95. It has a built-in pulsating massager at the top which can applied to aching muscles or joints. Go to: www.paramountzone.com