With Mental Health Awareness Week in mind,I thought it would be beneficial to write a post on how massage can help your mental health!
The link between physical and mental health is well-known, and well researched. After all, it is impossible to have one without the other.
Stress can have a huge impact on both aspects of our well-being. Form the workplace, relationships, financial stress, the list goes on.
Finding healthy coping strategies for dealing with stress can help us deal with both physical and mental issues. While most of us know that massage is fantastic for a broad range of physical issues, science also proves that regular massage has impressive effects on our mental health.
Improved Sleep
Getting plenty of regular sleep is an essential part of any wellness routine. Without it, we are more susceptible to a range of physical and mental problems. Massage increases blood circulation, lower your heart rate, and relax muscles. Which can help you sleep more easily - and for longer.
Relieve Symptoms of Depression and/or anxiety
Massage can lower stress levels and feelings of anxiety. It can improve your mood, leaving you feeling more relaxed, while increasing confidence and self-image.
If you experience depression or anxiety, or are just overloaded with extra stress, massage can be an effective part of treatment. It can create a sense of relief and empowerment, and allow you to focus on your mind-body connection.
Please note: If you do suffer from depression or need help to talk to someone, massage is just one part of a range of tools that can help, but will never replace professional help and advice. Please ask for help.
Promote feelings of wellbeing and connection
Oxytocin is known as the “love” hormone. When people connect, touch, hug, or bond, oxytocin is released. Promoting deep feelings of wellbeing, ease, and comfort. The expert touch of a massage therapist can get that hormone flowing in a safe and non-offensive way. Also see my blog on the importance of touch.
Lowered Stress Levels
Cortisol is the “stress” hormone. Running wild, this hormone can leave us feeling exhausted, anxious, and tense.Elevated cortisol levels can lead to a host of other problems. Massage has been proven to reduce cortisol levels by as much as 30%. This then supports your body to battle anxiety naturally.
Feel Fresh and Energised
Living with any mental illness is draining and exhausting. It can feel impossible to even drag yourself out of bed in the morning, let alone work with a clear head. Because massage improves circulation, you can feel more energized and focused, dispelling those feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
Naturally Increase Serotonin and Dopamine
A one-hour massage releases serotonin. This hormone neurotransmitter is sometimes called the "happy chemical" because it reduces feelings of depression and carries signals between nerves and your body. By lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin, you're boosting your body's ability to fight off pain, anxiety and feelings of sadness. Just how many antidepressants work by boosting low levels of serotonin in the brain. Please note, that massage is not a replacement if you are on anti-depressants, always consult your Doctor before making any changes.
Calm Your Mind
Along with the physical changes that massage can cause, the simple act of taking a break from the world, can help reset your brain, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed.
Mental Health
It is important to take a holistic approach to mental health. There is no one-stop solution or magical pill that can instantly make everything better. But learning to slow down, take care of ourselves, and find balance is a great beginning. Regular massage, as part of a well-rounded health and wellness focus, can make a world of difference.
Scheduling regular massages could really help with your mental health. If you want to explore the benefits of massage for yourself, get in touch.