Stress Management In the Face of 2020

This past year has been a stressful time for everyone. We saw many people create new lifestyles and routines during 2020 and even 2021. In many cases, people had to find new ways to adapt to this increased stress. Some popular avenues included meditation, exercise, or even yoga. However, many continued to struggle with feelings of isolation, depression or anxiety.

When it comes to destressing, many overlook the use of massage and the positive effects it can have on the body. Swedish massage in particular has been shown to reduce stress on both a physical and physiological level. For many who struggle with stress management, this can be a great way to activate the body’s natural relaxation response.

According to a study at the University of Konstanz in 2020, researchers found that after just 10 minutes of physical massage, people were shown to have higher levels of psychological and physiological relaxation. This goes to show just how useful massage can be when using it for stress management.

But Isn’t Massage Just A Way To Pamper Myself?

A common misconception about massage is that it only exists as a form of pampering. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Massage can allow individuals a peaceful, therapeutic experience that can significantly lower stress levels. It can also be used as a tool for managing any unhealthy buildup within the muscles and connective tissues of the body. This buildup can be caused by:

  • Physical ailments
  • Illnesses
  • Chronic pain
  • Frequent stress

Small amounts of stress can be good for a person, but it can take a serious toll when they experience long periods of stress. This is why it is crucial to find a way to relax both the mind and body.

Our bodies are luckily equipped with a “fight-or-flight” system, the sympathetic nervous system, to ward off stress during times of threat. But when the body is living in a heightened state for days or even months on end, launching a relaxation response in the body can become more and more difficult. Activating this relaxation response is key in protecting our health and restoring balance within us.

Interested in experiencing the benefits of massage for yourself? Schedule your appointment with Vinings Massage & Wellness today.

References:
Maria Meier, Eva Unternaehrer, Stephanie J. Dimitroff, Annika B. E. Benz, Ulrike U. Bentele, Sabine M. Schorpp, Maya Wenzel, Jens C. Pruessner. Standardized massage interventions as protocols for the induction of psychophysiological relaxation in the laboratory: a block randomized, controlled trial. Scientific Reports, 2020; 10 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71173-w