Suffering from stress is a more frequent problem than you think. Excessive worry and responsibility can cause severe pain in the shoulders, back, or neck. Fortunately, there are many ways to release stress: working out, helping others, having some "me time" and, of course, a stress-relieving massage.
What are the key symptoms of stress?
According to the NHS, stress can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and also how you behave. It's not always easy to recognise when stress is the reason you're feeling or acting differently. There are 3 key areas where it can affect us:
Physical symptoms: headaches or dizziness, muscle tension or pain, stomach problems, chest pain or a faster heartbeat, and even sexual problems.
Mental symptoms: difficulty concentrating, struggling to make decisions, feeling overwhelmed, constantly worrying, being forgetful, etc.
Changes in behaviour: being irritable and snappy, sleeping too much or too little, eating too much or too little, avoiding certain places or people, and drinking or smoking more.
Therefore, worry and stress can often lead to muscle strains and even more serious injuries, especially in the back area.
DO #1: BOX BREATHING EXERCISES
In stressful times you can use the power of your breath to help calm feelings of stress or anxiety. Box breathing is a simple relaxation technique that can help you ‘reset your breath’ and return it to its normal rhythm. In short, it involves:
Imagining breathing around a box
Inhaling as you visualize going up one side of the box, pausing and then exhaling as you picture going down the other side of the box.
This video demonstrates box breathing and highlights its benefits:
DO #2: HAVE A MASSAGE
Fortunately, an efficient way to release pent-up tension is through stress-relieving massage. Massages can not only help us relax, but also favour the elimination of toxins, they can relieve the pressure caused by poor posture in the neck or back, help stabilize hormones and facilitate a good rest at bedtime.
So, why stress?! Massage therapy can be one of the best stress busters available! Alongside the quiet, relaxed atmosphere of a massage clinic, the act of massage itself coaxes our bodies into an improved state of wellbeing. And while stress can be temporarily alleviated with one massage session, identifying a long-term massage plan with a qualified massage therapist will be more beneficial for clients in managing chronic stress.
DO #3: ORGANIZE STUFF
A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that a cluttered and disorganized home can increase stress levels – as if you didn’t already have enough to worry about.
Moreover, a Scottish Health survey found that just 20 minutes of housework can help to cut stress by 20%. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed with the world’s events, why don’t you try to clean out the garage? You’ll be surprised at how much calmer you feel once you complete the task.
Start here: Marie Kondo is the star of Netflix’s hit series ‘Tidying Up with Marie Kondo’. In the show, the best-selling author shares how audiences can organize and declutter their homes. Aside from creating a cleaner space, spring cleaning and decluttering can also provide you with many health benefits.
DO #4: TRY VOLUNTEERING
It can reduce stress, and if you bring your little ones along, it will help them acquire good values. When you do something for someone less fortunate, you forget about your issues and cultivate gratitude.
Additionally, you develop greater human connections, which decrease isolation and loneliness, both of which can contribute to stress.
Don’t know where to begin? Volunteer Centre Manchester | Manchester Community Central can connect you with local volunteer opportunities.
Here at Namtip we have very skilled masseuses that can help you with your body relaxation and pain relieve needs. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any doubts about our massage therapies, and we will gladly advise you on which services are best for your situation.