Life in the fast lane is a way of life for most Americans these days. Whether you are working your way through a college degree, or juggling the demands of a full time job, managing a home, children and financial burdens, we are all susceptible to stress. It’s no longer a middle-life stage ailment, but a common theme in every life stage.
Did you know that all this stress could be affecting your health in ways you may have never even thought of? Experts estimate that up to 90% of disease is stress related. (source: massage therapy.com), which becomes dangerous causing health concerns such as increased blood pressure, suppressed immune system, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, infertility, and it can accelerate the aging process. Long-term stress can even rewire the brain, leaving you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.
Studies show that 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects from stress and that 75 to 90% of doctor visits are for stress related ailments and complaints (source: http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/effects-of-stress-on-your-body)
Here are a few possible symptoms of stress overload:
- Memory problems
- Inability to concentrate
- Moodiness/short temper
- Inability to relax
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Using alcohol or drugs to relax
- Aches and pains
- Frequent colds
- Constant worrying/anxious thoughts
- Digestive problems
- Nail biting/jaw clenching
*source: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm
Long term exposure to stress is serious and left unchecked, it can affect almost every major system in your body. If you feel that stress may be taking a toll in your own life, consider making some changes or finding ways to incorporate moments of wellness to help take care of you!
One of the most effective ways to de-stress is to have a massage. Massage therapy is no longer considered a luxury or pampering treatment, it is recognized by the medical community as a resource for combating stress and its related symptoms.
While nothing can help you reduce stress and tension altogether, massage will help you manage the level to which it affects you by providing pain relief, enhanced sleep quality, decreased anxiety levels and increased concentration.
Mayo Clinic reports that studies have even shown massage to be helpful for pain, stiffness, blood pressure control, infant growth, sports-related injuries, and can also help boost your immune system.
Have you experienced great results from massage therapy in the past? Leave a comment below and tell us how it helped you or visit us on the web for more information by clicking here.