Often, not only do we forget to make time for ourselves, but we get so caught up in day-to-day life that we get bogged down and simply go through the motions. It’s important to not let yourself (or your loved ones) get overwhelmed by daily activities, responsibilities and expectations that accumulate in the form of stress.
Many people don’t realize the impact continued stress can have on the human body. According to the American Psychological Association, stress can manifest itself in a variety of forms, including headache, muscle tension, muscle pain, chest pain, fatigue, upset stomach, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, lack of motivation, lack of focus, irritability, depression, eating problems, addiction and social withdrawal. It’s no wonder these mounting issues can take such a toll on us and make us negative nellies.
Here are some tips on keeping that glass-half-full outlook on life and sparking your inner positive thinking.
The Power of Massage
No surprise here. Regular therapeutic massage helps prevent unhappiness. It stimulates the flow of oxytocin, our feel-good hormones, and reduces levels of cortisol, our stress-hormones. This helps put the body in a state of relaxation and clears the mind. This rest-and-recovery mode can linger long after the massage is over. In fact, massage triggers a host of chemical responses in the brain that can result in lasting feelings of relaxation, lowered stress and improved mood.
Other Happiness Boosting Tips
The Spring 2012 issue of Massage Envy Magazine has some additional recommendations on improving your happiness, compiled from a book called Happy for
No Reason:
Evaluate the company you keep.
Emotions are contagious. So if you surround yourself with naysayers, you’re more likely to be one yourself. Instead, make friends with optimistic folks.
Open your eyes to optimism.
Always be on the lookout for things that go right. Every day, ask yourself what you appreciate.
Savor compliments.
The next time your boss tells you “job well done,” don’t brush it off. Dwell on it and let it sink in.
Use the 3:1 ratio.
Don’t aim to ignore all negatives. Instead, counter each negative thought by thinking three positive ones.
Igniting your inner happiness has many benefits. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, characteristics like optimism and happiness are linked to a lower risk for heart attack and stroke. Additionally, Happy for No Reason states that happy people also tend to be healthier, have better relationships and earn more money than the rest of us.
If you’re looking to improve your overall well being and put negative thinking behind you, know that a Massage Envy membership can be a powerful tool on your road to positive thinking. Our experienced, professional therapists at Massage Envy Spa customize every massage session to address your individual needs. FBN
Mark Love is co-owner of Massage Envy Flagstaff. Massage Envy has 31 locations throughout Arizona. The Flagstaff location is at 1235 S. Plaza Way in the University Plaza Shopping Center off Milton Road next to Ross and Safeway. To schedule an appointment, call 928-526-ENVY (3689). For additional locations and information, visit MassageEnvy.com or www.Facebook.com/MEFlag.
