As summer weather comes to a crawl and the feeling of fall becomes more prominent, it’s important to allow our bodies to relax and recover from the hype of summer activities. For most, summer is the most active of all seasons because children aren’t in school, family vacations are more frequent (YEAH!), and the warm weather and longer days allow us to be outside more. With the busyness of our lives, it’s not uncommon for people to feel exhausted by the time autumn rolls around as our lives and routines fall back into place.
These situations, along with many others, reflect how important it is to tune in and allow our bodies and minds to unwind. We find that getting a massage is the perfect way to reset, recharge and re-center ourselves. Frequent and regular massage is beneficial and below we have 5 reasons why you should get a massage!
Improved Mood / Mental Attitude
The added stress of having the kids in the house, all day, every day, during the summer months can lead to sometimes hot situations and frustration. Getting a massage will help the mind and body relax. Studies confirm that regular massage can be beneficial for stress. Massages increase the feel-good hormones known as serotonin and dopamine, while reducing the stress hormone known as cortisol. This leads to an improved mental state.
Increases Immunity
With all the added activity and fatigue from running around, our bodies get run down. Regular massage increases circulation in the body and oxygenation of the cells. This can help bolster the body’s immune system, allowing us to avoid that fall cold that everybody at work is sharing. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that fight off disease and infection, and massage increases both number and circulation of lymphocytes in the bloodstream.
Aches, Pains, Sprains and Strains
Regular massage helps loosen and relax injured or overused muscles. Muscles being used more frequently can lead to aches and pains. Regular massage increases circulation and oxygenation, which helps the muscles heal more quickly. Massage also releases endorphins from the brain that are natural painkillers.
Combat Seasonal Depression
The additional hours of sunshine can be a lifesaver for those who suffer from seasonal depression. But as fall takes hold and the days grow shorter, anxiety can set in about the upcoming seasons. The effects of massage can be compared to psychotherapy. And studies show that massage increases neurotransmitters that help decrease anxiety. It can also lower your heart rate and allow for more relaxation.
Improves Sleep
As the body goes through the physiological change from summer to fall, it can be a challenge to get enough rest. Research shows that getting a massage can increase serotonin levels, as mentioned previously. This allows people to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
This is just a short list of reasons why massage can be beneficial to everybody during the fall season. Whether you’re suffering from aches and pains, frustration, or just want to boost your immune system before fall ends, finding a massage therapist might be exactly what the doctor ordered. If anything, give yourself the gift of a few minutes of relaxation. Who can’t use that?
