Relieving Holiday Stress With Massage Therapy

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and fun. Good food, traditions, and time off work or school can help you appreciate the beautiful things and people in your life. Unfortunately, the holiday season is also full of potential emotional and physical stressors that can leave you exhausted.

 

Massage therapy is a great way to deal with this problem. It can help you deal with strain and stress or help you recover faster from your memorable holidays.

 

Prepare for the Holiday Season With a Massage

Everyone experiences stress at some point, and the holiday season can be particularly stressful. It can lead to sleep problems, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, depression, irritability, and an inability to focus. Massage therapy is a proven stress relief method, and an experienced massage therapist or chiropractor can help with stress relief. 

Health Problems Associated With Holiday Stress

The holidays can be an excellent opportunity to make new memories with loved ones. However, it can be a stressful time because of chaotic and busy schedules. Anxiety can manifest when navigating busy crowds, shopping, attending social gatherings, decorating your home, and preparing for tax season. 

 

These factors can make you mentally and physically exhausted. Healthcare professionals associate the following health problems with holiday stress:

 

• Joint pain

• Lowered immune system

• Sleep disturbance

• Elevated blood sugar

• High cholesterol

• High blood pressure
  
   

Fortunately, massage therapy is a time-proven and effective solution for relieving stress. That is why millions of people schedule appointments with massage therapists and chiropractors during the holiday season.

 

How Does Massage Therapy Help Decrease Anxiety and Stress?

Massage therapy relieves stress by relaxing muscles, lowering the heart rate, and releasing endorphins. 

 

Lower Heart Rate

Massages lower the heart rate to decrease stress. They also increase body temperature and promote relaxation. A relaxed body has a reduced heart rate. Reduced stress levels lead to an increased feeling of peace and calmness. 

Relaxed Soft Tissues and Muscles

Massage therapy can help relieve holiday stress by relaxing soft tissues and muscles. When you receive a massage, your temperature and blood circulation increase. Increased circulation removes waste products from your cells. It also delivers more blood to your muscles and relieves tension.

Releasing Endorphins

Massage therapy helps relieve holiday stress by releasing endorphins. These hormones calm your peripheral nervous system. The system is part of the body’s nervous system. Its function is to relay messages between the brain and extremities. 

Massage therapy stimulates endorphins in the peripheral nervous system. That allows it to relay a message of relaxation and calmness. The release of these feel-good hormones decreases stress-related hormones, relieving the feeling of stress. 

Benefits of Massage Therapy to Decrease Holiday Stress

Massages provide many benefits, including:

 

• Pain relief

• Relaxation

• Increased feelings of well-being and contentment

• Decreased anxiety and depression
  
   

Conclusion

Holiday stress can relate to physical or emotional demands. Fortunately, you can receive a massage anytime to relax your body and mind. Booking a massage before and during the holidays is one of the best presents you can give yourself or a loved one. 

For more about massage therapy for relieving stress, contact The Spine Clinic at our Salem, Oregon office. Call (503) 362-5555 to schedule an appointment today.