The connection between mental and physical health is widely known. And there have been several researchers done about it. After all, you cannot have one without the other.
Stress, without a doubt, can greatly affect both aspects of our well-being. And there is no lack of identifying areas that can cause stress in our everyday lives. Whether it be at work, at home, relationships, financial worries - there will always be something that causes us stress.
This is why trying out HEALTHY coping strategies can help a great deal in managing stress and dealing with mental health issues. It does not have to be expensive or difficult. And coping with stress is different for every person. One might go on walks or travel, another may use a deep tissue massager to unwind.
Let us go over the go-to stress reliever for most people: getting a massage. Most of us already know that getting a regular massage is great for a wide range of physical issues, science has also proven that regular massages positively affect our mental health as well.
Taking the time for a regular percussive massage can help improve your body and most especially your mental health. Here are some reasons why:
Helps relieve depression and anxiety
Researchers came up with over 17 clinical studies to see if percussive massage therapy can help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. What they determined is that in every study, massage positively resulted in easing symptoms of depression.
It is important to note though - that if you do suffer from severe anxiety or depression or need to talk to someone about it, percussive massage is only a part of the things you can do to help. It does not - and will not - replace professional help and counseling. So, please ask for help.
Helps you feel energised
Dealing with mental health issues is exhausting. It drains you of physical and emotional energy. For many, it is impossible to even get out of bed every morning, let alone go through a work day.
Because percussive massage boosts circulation, we feel more energised and more focused. This also dispels feelings of lethargy or exhaustion.
Helps improve sleep
Getting enough sleep is a very important part of our physical and mental wellness. Without enough sleep, we are more at risk to a wide range of mental and physical issues.
Although percussive massage is not exactly designed to send you off to dreamland right off the bat, its effects of improved blood circulation, lower heart rate and muscle relaxation prep your body and mind for a long, restful sleep.
Lowers cortisol levels
When cortisol - the “stress hormone” is increased, we feel tired, tense and anxious. Prolonged increase of cortisol levels then leads to a host of physical and mental health problems.
Percussive massage is proven to lower cortisol levels up to 30 percent. This means your body is better supported at battling anxiety more naturally. At the same time, massage gives a natural mood booster by boosting low levels of Dopamine and Serotonin (happy hormones) in the brain.
Calms the mind
Apart from the physical benefits that percussive massage provides, the simple fact that we take even a ten-minute break, can help reset our brains and allow us to take a breath and refocus.
Gets you ready for a workout
A quick percussive massage before your everyday workout helps prepare you for a workout. The increased blood flow wakes up the muscles, priming it for physical activity.
This means you do not stretch out cold muscles so you protect yourself from exercise-related injuries. The result is a fulfilling workout that boosts your mood and improves mental well-being, too.
Taking care of your mental health
It is essential to always choose the holistic approach when it comes to your mental health. Always keep in mind that there is no one-stop-shop or one-size-fits-all solution to dealing with mental health issues. There is no magic pill that can make things better in an instant.
But listening to your body, slowing down and taking care of yourself and finding balance is a great first step. By making regular percussive massage a part of a well-rounded wellness habit or routine can make a huge difference.
If you are still uneasy about going to a spa or a wellness centre to get a regular massage, using a massage gun at home is the easier alternative. If you are getting one for the first time and want to invest in the best massage gun Australia has in the market, take the time to check out professional and non-pro reviews first.
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