Consider Massage for Your Stress Relief Routine

In the hustle and bustle of modern American society, stress levels have become a rising tide. According to recent polls conducted by The American Psychological Association and The American Psychiatry Association, stress levels reported among American adults are at an all-time high.

Unregulated stress can lead to a host of health conditions, both mental and physical. Of the Americans surveyed in recent stress polls, 76% reported experiencing health impacts due to stress including fatigue, headaches, and feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. Respondents also indicated other aspects of their lives that were negatively impacted by stress such as exercise, sleep, and eating habits.

Now more than ever, it’s important to be proactive and find ways to manage your stress. Incorporating regular massages into your stress relief routine can do wonders for the body and mind!

The Stress-Lowering Benefits of Massage

The benefits of massage extend far beyond just the hour spent on the table. Regular massage therapy can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and calm the sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for the “fight or flight” stress response.

During a massage therapy session, serotonin and dopamine (the “happy” hormones) levels rise while cortisol (the stress hormone) levels drop. This can have positive effects on the mind and body for hours after the session.

As a growing field of integrative health, massage therapy is increasingly recommended by doctors to help patients with stress, anxiety, depression, pain, migraines, injury recovery, and more. It can also be a form of preventative care by helping to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support the immune system. All of which can have a positive effect on stress levels.

Incorporating Massage Therapy into Your Routine

Routines are important, especially when it comes to your physical and mental health. Incorporating regular massages into your schedule may be one of the best things you can do to help manage stress.

Setting an ideal massage therapy schedule can vary from person to person depending on the type of massage, length of session, and the patient’s individual needs. Your massage therapist can work with you to set a schedule that is most beneficial to your lifestyle and current level of stress.

Whether you’re able to go weekly, monthly or quarterly, consider adding regular massage to your wellness routine. You’ll enjoy lower stress, better sleep, improved mental clarity, and better overall health!

Ready to start melting your stress away? Schedule a massage therapy session with our team of professional and student massage therapists. Visit our massage clinic page for appointment types and availability.