The air is crisp, the leaves have turned and the holidays are rapidly approaching. With the social season now upon us, schedules are packed with personal commitments, including holiday celebrations, dinners, weddings, events, vacations, etc. Add in your everyday life to deal with: work, errands, chores, etc., and you may feel like your sanity and well-being are slowing slipping away.
In the midst of all this chaos, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and a lack of control. One of the best ways to combat this is to schedule some alone time. Sometimes, a simple 10-minute meditation is a great way to clear your mind. But at least once a month, it’s important to get yourself back on track with a therapeutic massage session.
Massages help the body heal and relax, which also helps the mind to relax. The body can produce an unhealthy build-up of hormones when we are meeting a work deadline or stressed about the holidays. Pent-up levels of the “stress hormone” cortisol can lead to sleeplessness, headaches and even digestive problems. Enter massage therapy. Massage has been shown to decrease cortisol in the body and allow the body to enter a relaxing rest-and-recovery mode – an effect that lingers long after the massage is over.
Massage triggers a host of brain chemistry responses that can result in lasting feelings of relaxation, lowered stress and improved mood. In fact, studies have shown just one 90-minute massage significantly lowers the heart rate, cortisol and insulin levels, all of which help reduce stress. Imagine the powerful effect massage therapy could have on your life if you if made it a part of your regular health and wellness routine.
In addition to massage therapy, think about using your scheduled solo time for a facial. Not only will this one-hour facial help you get to a relaxed state-of-mind, but you will also see lasting effects that will make you glow. Massage Envy Spa’s Murad Health Skin facials help reverse visible signs of aging, improve skin tone and texture, alleviate redness and sensitivity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles among many other benefits.
Besides carving out some ME time with a massage or facial, consider incorporating the following tips to help put your mind at ease and get you through the holidays stress-free:
– Sleep 10 minutes extra one day a week.
– Step out of your comfort zone and try a new activity you’ve never done before, such as salsa dancing or hiking.
– Take a bubble bath and incorporate aromatherapy.
– Go to a yoga or meditation class.
– Take the time to journal, but be sure to end any vitriolic entries with a positive thought.
– Take your dog for a walk – being outdoors and around your pet can greatly reduce your stress.
– Listen to your favorite music to help reduce your frazzled feeling.
– Tune in to your favorite TV show or give your best friend a call – laughter is key to reducing all the stress related to this time of year. FBN
Massage Envy Spa is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. To schedule a massage or facial session, call Massage Envy Spa Flagstaff at 928-526-ENVY (3689) or visit the location at 1235 South Plaza Way in the University Plaza Shopping Center off Milton next to Ross and Safeway. For additional locations and information, visit www.massageenvy.com.
Mark Love is co-owner of Massage Envy Spa Flagstaff. For more information on the benefits of massage and facials, visit www.MassageEnvy.com or Facebook.com/MEFlag.