If you’re in Germany, tired, and stressed from all the pre-holiday fussing, rejoice! Deutsche Bahn, basically German Amtrak, is now offering yoga instruction, guidance in proper posture, sitting, and breathing, plus hand and shoulder massages for travelers on its trains in and around Munich, according to one story. “Supervised yoga and relaxation exercises will help passengers de-stress after work or on weekends,” a Deutsche Bahn spokesperson explained. “Especially in the run-up to Christmas when people have to fight their way through crowded shopping districts.”

The idea is also to reduce the possibility of “coronary incidents” caused by stress. If all goes well, they may extend the program to the rest of the country.

Though we have nothing comparable in the States (the most relaxing thing about my train rides is actually getting a seat), more companies are helping their customers––and even employees––relax. Aveda has free mini massages in certain locations and Origins will, in the name of selling scrubs––wash your hands in a most pleasant way. And in the inner corporate realm, companies are investing in harmonizing the minds and bodies of their employees. According to a recent story in the Washington Post, Eileen Fisher, the women’s clothier, now gives their 500 or so employees up to $1,000 toward massages, yoga, and other relaxing activities. That same article cited a 2002 study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine that showed that Coors Brewing Co. reaped $6.15 for every dollar invested in a wellness program over six years. In the same report, Steelcase Inc., an office furniture manufacturer earned $5.80 for every dollar it put into its wellness program over five years.

Photo: news.ert.gr