Managing Stress
National Stress Awareness Month in the UK falls in April. It has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. The aim is to encourage open and supportive conversations about stress and to highlight the effects stress can have on our lives along with possible coping mechanisms.
Stress is not good for our bodies. The main stress hormone cortisol is designed to have a short term effect, but when that becomes longer term (ie we can’t outrun it) it has negative effects on how our whole body works.
Massage therapy has been shown to reduce the overall effects of stress on the body and bring about a feeling of emotional well-being. It can lower stress levels and feelings of anxiety. The anxiety-reducing and mood-enhancing benefits of massage are probably related to changes in brain activity, decreased levels of cortisol, and increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. (Switching from “fight or flight” mode to “rest and digest” mode)
There are many other ways to manage stress. Some of them include getting at least seven hours of sleep per day, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, meditating, and staying socially connected. Why not combine some of these by joining a running group? You can also try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. Additionally important to regulating stress levels is time management. Stress levels can be decreased by giving self-care activities like going for a walk, reading a book, or listening to music a high priority.
Movement is a great way to help manage stress – giving a holistic helping had to both your mental and physical heath. There are many exercises that can help, some of them include brisk walking, jogging or running, swimming, cycling, dancing, boxing, or HIIT workouts. Yoga and deep breathing exercises are also a great stress relief exercise to try at home.
If you’re feeling the weight of stress on your shoulders, then book a massage to feel that weight lifted in less than an hour. You’ll feel relaxed and refreshed and ready to face life’s challenges. It’s time well spent.