Office party

If you’re anything like us, you’re counting the days to your next vacation. To the rescue: A growing group of corporate wellness companies that say meditation and massage will boost productivity on the job. “If employees are having a hectic day with things flying at them from all over, [wellness programs] help them take a more relaxed, calm approach to their workload,” says Monique Nickson, an HR assistant at the law firm Seyfarth Shaw.

So how do you get your boss on board? Vinnie Hunihan, who owns the financial district studio Akal Yoga (where brokers have been known to come to unwind), puts it this way to CEOs: “You probably spend more on booze at the Christmas party than you would on a year of yoga for your employees. Hello?” Let your boss crunch the numbers: Studies show that absences decrease and health insurance costs go down when wellness programs are adopted. Here are some to try.

For your stress
Logging long hours takes a toll on your body and mind. Studies show that practicing yoga regularly can improve your sleep quality and ease aches and pains. Another fix: Wellness retreats for the whole office. These seminars help office “families” learn to manage deadlines with coping strategies like meditation, humor and deep breathing.
Book it with Tyler Wellness (800-695-5410, www.tylerwellness.com)

For your health
Medical-based screenings for high blood pressure, Body Mass Index and other risk factors help you spot health issues early, saving your company lots of money in the long run. Then, your boss can bring in specialists, like nutritionists or smoking-cessation instructors, to help treat problems before you need medication or other treatment.
Book it with Northwestern Memorial Hospital Wellness Institute (312-926-9355, www.nmh.org/wellness) and Chicago Health Consultants (866-373-4242, www.chicagohealthconsultants.com)

For your tense shoulders
On-site chair and table massage melt away neck tightness and upper-back pain in a few minutes flat. Yoga at Your Desk (which includes an ergonomic lesson) and Tai Chi are other options to consider.
Book it with Guru to You (312-558-7224, www.gurutoyou.com) and Cortiva Institute (312-753-7990, www.cortiva.com).