Chronic stress and anxiety can slowly but surely lead to a number of adverse health conditions and take a toll on your quality of life. The body’s physiological response to stress can also manifest in skin conditions, weight gain and thinning hair. It’s no secret that when you feel better, it improves your whole demeanor. Massage and other acts of self-care are as important for your physical as well as mental health as they are for your appearance and self-image.
Better Sleep Keeps You Looking Younger
According to industry professionals at yourfootpalace.com, massage promotes an overall feeling of wellbeing, which stimulates the production of serotonin and melatonin, the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating your sleep cycle. With better sleep, you’ll see a reduction in under-eye bags and fine lines. States of high stress and sleep deprivation increase the rate of cellular aging and have been shown to inhibit the skin’s production of collagen, which is vital for maintaining its elasticity. Achieving better sleep with the aid of massage therapy gives your skin and all organs of the body time to recover and repair.
Get a Rosy Glow with Lymphatic Drainage
The lymphatic system is responsible for expelling waste and toxins from the body. A lymphatic drainage massage helps move lymph fluids through the body to keep your organs healthy. The sympathetic nervous system, which is activated during times of stress, signals an inflammatory response in the vessels and tissues of the lymph system, causing it to become obstructed. When the lymph system isn’t functioning properly, skin can become dry, inflamed and discolored. Improving circulation with a lymphatic drainage massage can give your skin a rosy, healthy glow, reducing puffiness and the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Incorporating a facial or skincare treatment in your massage can enhance its restorative benefits. During a facial massage, you can ask the massage therapist to apply your favorite facial oil, cream or mist to nurture your skin.
Massage Can Help You Lose Weight
Stress-management is an integral part of achieving a healthier body weight. Stress is shown to increase levels of appetite inducing hormones like ghrelin and cortisol. Increased levels of cortisol trigger your body to produce more insulin, which causes you to crave sugary foods. Furthermore, feeling stressed, anxious and depressed inhibits your motivation to get the necessary amount of physical activity or to make healthy choices in general. Massage helps reduce physical pain and tension, improves energy levels and gives you time to reconnect with your body. Taking time for a massage can improve your relationship with your body and can be an important resource in achieving your weight loss goals.
Beyond the physical benefits, massage therapy also has a profound impact on our confidence and self-esteem. When we prioritize our well-being and actively engage in practices that promote relaxation and self-care, we cultivate a happier and more positive outlook on life. This inner transformation reflects externally, as we radiate a sense of inner peace, vitality, and confidence. When we feel better, we naturally carry ourselves with more grace and poise, which contributes to a more youthful and attractive appearance.
It’s important to emphasize that massage therapy is not merely a luxury or indulgence but a fundamental aspect of maintaining our overall health and well-being. By regulating stress levels through regular massages, we can unlock a multitude of benefits that extend beyond physical appearance. We can improve our sleep, enhance our complexion, manage our weight, and foster a deeper connection with our body. As we focus on becoming happier and healthier versions of ourselves, we will inevitably reap the rewards in terms of our external appearance. So, let’s prioritize self-care and embrace the transformative power of massage therapy on our journey to a more vibrant and youthful life.
Images from MMSCENE STYLE STORIES: By the Beach by Icepong Sang – See the full story here
