Have stress? Massage can help!

October 10th is World Mental Health Day, making it a great time to check in on your stress levels. A little stress benefits us by keeping us motivated and fitter for survival. However, prolonged stress is something completely different. Those who are stressed often and regularly will have negative consequences, so they must learn how to manage and reduce stress levels.

Ongoing Stress Has Consequences

According to research by Gallup, the world is unhappier and more stressed than ever. They polled people in 122 countries, learning that today, stress and sadness are at an all-time high, and the feeling of wellness and experiencing enjoyment has declined.

Both stress and anxiety can lead to health problems if they are ongoing. The Mayo Clinic reports that stress can impact the body and behavior and that stress that is not dealt with can lead to health problems. They say that stress that is not being managed can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. Common effects of stress on the body include headache, fatigue, stomach upset, muscle tension, sleep problems, etc.

It doesn’t end there. Stress can also lead to a lack of motivation, anxiety, restlessness, anger or sadness, depression, overeating, not exercising, etc. In other words, nothing good comes from being regularly stressed out. It's essential to recognize that you are feeling stress regularly and do something about managing it to help protect your physical and mental health.

Importance of Self-Care

We get busy in our daily lives taking care of everyone and everything else. We focus on our jobs, kids, parents, and other loved ones, often neglecting ourselves. Self-care is crucial. Massage therapy is a great option when it comes to self-care. Getting a Swedish relaxation massage in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, and beyond has many benefits, making it something to consider if you want to practice self-care and reduce stress and anxiety.

According to the Mayo Clinic, massage therapy helps to reduce stress, lessen pain and muscle tightness, increase relaxation, and improve the work of the immune system. Additional reports about the benefits of massage therapy on stress include:

· A study published in the October 2023 issue of the journal Applied Nursing Research reported that effleurage massage (used in Swedish massage) helps improve sleep disturbances, pain, fatigue, and anxiety. The test was done with massage times of only 20 minutes, showing these results.

· Another research study published in 2020 found that just getting a 10-minute massage will help reduce stress and activate the body's regenerative system for fighting stress.

· A study published in the October 2020 issue of the journal Complimentary Therapies in Medicine reports the results of their research putting massage therapy to the test to see if it helps with generalized anxiety disorder. They found that getting Swedish massage twice per week for six weeks, with some people needing additional weeks, was sufficient for most patients to experience symptom reduction.

· Research published in the August 2013 issue of the journal Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine tested Swedish massage to see if it would help people with hypertension, which is associated with stress. They found that one hour of Swedish massage per week significantly reduced after four sessions, leading to a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate.

· In a study published in August 2016, researchers reported their test results on providing women with breast cancer with three 30-minute Swedish massages per week. They found that Swedish massage improved mood levels that were causing anxiety, depression, stress, and pain.

While it’s nice to have research to back it up, anyone who has ever gotten a Swedish massage knows it reduces stress. You can feel it when you get up and go through the rest of your day. You feel calmer and more relaxed, and much of the stress and anxiety has melted away.

Getting Swedish Massages

Opt for Swedish relaxation massages if you want to do something great for your body and mind. Their relaxing nature will help improve your mood, decrease stress and anxiety, and provide you with a wealth of other benefits. It is the most popular massage modality in the world because it has so many health benefits and is something that most people are a good candidate for.

Zensational Massage Therapy specializes in Swedish relaxation massage, serving Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Ponce Inlet, Daytona Beach Shores, and all of Volusia County. If you are looking for a relaxation massage in Port Orange, or the surrounding areas, try it. You won't be disappointed and will likely walk out feeling less stressed, more relaxed, and ready to take on life again!