"Many factors can cause stress," said Tiffany Richards, owner of The Back Rub Company, a Phoenix-based on-site employee massage & wellness firm.  "Job loss, finances, divorce, a death in the family, deadlines - the list goes on. Add to that the recent state of the economy and it seems like a never-ending battle."

The service providers at The Back Rub Company relieve stress in valley offices on a daily basis with on-site massage, fitness classes, wellness workshops and more.

They offer these tips:
Recognize the danger signs of stress - headaches, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, change in appetite, agitation & anxiety, aches and pains, excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt, diminished ability to think clearly, decreased interest in activities, crying spells.
Breathe - long, deep breaths instantly calm the mind and relax the body. Sit straight in chair, feet on floor, hands on belly (belly should push out on the inhale and in on the exhale - shoulders should not move - breath should come completely from belly). Count to six on the inhale, hold for a count of three and count to six on the exhale. Repeat five to 10 times.
Take five - if you're stuck in a ‘rut' or on a project, take a few minutes and clear your head with a brisk walk. A walk outside gets blood and oxygen circulating throughout the body and helps to eliminate wastes.
Relax - relaxation/meditation exercises help to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, decrease pain, ease muscle tension, and decrease anxiety, anger, hostility and depression. Buy a guided meditation CD and keep it handy. You can also sit back, close your eyes for a few minutes and focus on breathing.

For information about The Back Rub Company's Workplace Wellness Programs, call 480-330-2066 or visit www.thebackrubcompany.com.