
I believe that a holistic approach is the best way to help clients reduce their stress in addition to massage therapy. So I wanted to share a few activities to help you unwind before and after your message therapy regimen.
1. Music. An article in GreenMediaInfo reports that dozens of studies show that music can offset stress, relieve pain, lower blood pressure and support restful sleep. Classical music, the blues and other soothing music works best because they cause the body to release endorphins and slow breathing rates.
2. Meditation The practice of meditation helps you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being. Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being and your overall health. Click here to learn more.
3. Walking. Aerobic exercise of any kind has the power to calm jangled nerves and improve bad moods. And when it's done every day, it can enhance self-esteem and combat depression. Research has shown that a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk can have the same calming effect as a mild tranquilizer.
4. Deep breathing. I recommend taking deep abdominal breaths for at least 10 minutes each day to help reduce anxiety and stress. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness. Breathing techniques help you feel connected to your body—it brings your awareness away from the worries in your head and quiets your mind.
5. Laughter Whether you're chuckling at a YouTube video or laughing with friends, laughter is a great form of stress relief. A good laugh can stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers. Laughter may also break the pain-spasm cycle common to some muscle disorders.
1. Music. An article in GreenMediaInfo reports that dozens of studies show that music can offset stress, relieve pain, lower blood pressure and support restful sleep. Classical music, the blues and other soothing music works best because they cause the body to release endorphins and slow breathing rates.
2. Meditation The practice of meditation helps you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being. Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being and your overall health. Click here to learn more.
3. Walking. Aerobic exercise of any kind has the power to calm jangled nerves and improve bad moods. And when it's done every day, it can enhance self-esteem and combat depression. Research has shown that a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk can have the same calming effect as a mild tranquilizer.
4. Deep breathing. I recommend taking deep abdominal breaths for at least 10 minutes each day to help reduce anxiety and stress. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness. Breathing techniques help you feel connected to your body—it brings your awareness away from the worries in your head and quiets your mind.
5. Laughter Whether you're chuckling at a YouTube video or laughing with friends, laughter is a great form of stress relief. A good laugh can stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers. Laughter may also break the pain-spasm cycle common to some muscle disorders.