We believe that the office massages not only encourage our employees to take a well-deserved break during the day, but might also help them with the following:

• Reducing stress and anxiety
  The human body has two nervous systems. The first one is the sympathetic nervous system, which kicks in when we’re in a dangerous or stressful situation by activating the fight or flight response. The second one is our parasympathetic nervous system, or rest and digest system, which helps our body to calm down and relax. Fight or flight mode is a common state for us humans nowadays, although usually in situations where we don’t actually need it.
  
  Massages can be beneficial in preventing this stressful state of mind, as studies have shown that a massage can help your body deactivate the sympathetic nervous system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Rest and digest, here we come!
  
  
• Improving mood
  Other studies have shown that a massage can aid in decreasing the stress hormone cortisol while at the same time increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine, the two hormones that regulate our happiness and stabilise our mood. Got a cranky colleague or partner? Tell them to get a massage!

• Stimulating circulation and decreasing muscle pain and stiffness
  Do you often experience muscle pain or stiffness, for example after a workout or when you’ve been sitting at your desk for too long? This can be caused by a lack of oxygenated blood, which is required for the muscles to heal, at the specific pain areas. A massage stimulates the circulation and can therefore ease your muscle pain and stiffness.
  
  
• Increasing focus and productivity
  As the above points state, massages can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood and decrease muscle pain. Obviously a person who is more relaxed, healthier and happier is also more productive and focused, which helps them to perform better at work. It’s really a win-win situation for everyone!

American athlete Lolo Jones once said: “A businessman needs a laptop. Athletes need massages and the right diet.” At ISP, we believe that, although we obviously need our laptops, we also need massages and the right diet!

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