As summer comes to an end, you may be feeling the pressure of returning to work or school. You may have to deal with new schedules, new responsibilities, and new challenges. You may also have to cope with the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with change.
If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the upcoming seasonal transition, you’re not alone. Many people experience seasonal stress, which can affect their mental health and cause symptoms such as:
- Trouble concentrating or remembering
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Fear or worry about the future
- Headaches or stomachaches
- Loss of interest or motivation
- Irritability or mood swings
These symptoms can interfere with your daily functioning and overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are some effective ways to manage seasonal stress and improve your mental health. One of them is massage therapy.
Massage therapy is more than just a relaxing treat. It is a proven method of reducing stress and enhancing mood.
How Massage Therapy Can Help
Massage therapy has been shown to have a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. For people who are struggling with seasonal stress, massage therapy can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety and improving mood.
Massage therapy can help you cope with back-to-school and/or seasonal change stress in several ways:
- Reduced Cortisol Levels: Massage therapy has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol can have negative effects on both physical and mental health, so reducing its levels can improve overall well-being.
- Increased Relaxation: Massage therapy can help promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension. This can be especially helpful for parents who are feeling tense or anxious about their kids starting the upcoming school year or people stressing about moving into the fall/winter holiday season.
- Mood Boost: Massage therapy can increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that regulate your mood, emotions, and motivation. They also help you cope with stress.
Seasonal stress is a common and understandable reaction to change. However, you don’t have to let it overwhelm you or interfere with your everyday routine and overall mental health. Massage therapy is an effective tool that can help you cope with back-to-school stress and improve your general mental well-being.
Getting Started
If you are interested in trying massage therapy for yourself, you can start by finding a qualified massage therapist.
At Vinings Massage & Wellness, our massage therapists are experts in tailoring your massage to your individual needs and preferences. If you tell them that you want to use massage therapy to improve your mental health and reduce stress, they will modify the techniques they use to work towards those goals.
Once you’ve selected a massage therapist to work with, you can schedule regular massages according to your needs. Some people benefit from weekly massages, while others may prefer biweekly or monthly massages.
Massage therapy is a safe and effective way to manage seasonal stress and improve mental health. If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed by the upcoming school year, give massage therapy a try. You may be surprised by how much it can help.
To book a session with our massage therapists, visit our scheduling page today.
