Stress and tensions impact
The Mental Health Foundations study found that 74% of people in the UK have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope.
Stress & tension often arrive together as mental stress can cause physical tension and pain in the body.
Stress can affect your health and well-being without you even realising it. Don’t let life sweep you away without taking the time to pause and consider its effect on your well-being.
What are the warning signs of stress?
Physical signs that you may be stressed include:
- Tension headaches
- Shoulder neck and back pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Locked jaw
Physical signs of stress show up as tension in the body. It is your body’s way of warning you that you’re emotionally overwhelmed and need to take time out to recover.
Everyone is impacted by stress differently and therefore the time out period needed is reflective of the individual. Whilst it may only take some people 15 minutes per day to relax and take a break. It may take others much longer.
Top tips to relieve stress
No matter how long you spend on your me time, here are some great ways to help you to switch off your mind and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment.
Aromatherapy – lighting a scented candle or incense stick will allow you to focus on the smell rather than your thoughts.
Walking – getting out in nature and working on your physical fitness will allow your eyes a rest from any screens.
Meditation – focusing on taking deep breaths and being fully present in the moment will allow you an escape from reality.
Massage – at Olive Massage, we offer a wide range of remedial and holistic massage treatments in Leeds and Wakefield.
What is the best massage for stress and tension relief?
Indian Head Massage
Although emotional stress begins in the mind, a lot of the physical symptoms can manifest in the head, neck, and shoulders. An Indian head massage can relieve tension headaches, unblock your sinuses, and reduce any pain around the head, neck, and shoulder area.
Aromatherapy Massage
Studies have proven that essential oils influence the brain and can alter behavior. Inhaling scents such as lavender and ylang-ylang relieve stress and tension in the body. Combing essential oils with massaging pressure points in the body is a winning combination for allowing your mind time to rest.
Hot Stone Massage
The basalt stones used during a hot stone massage are applied to the body either hot or cold depending on your personal preference. The change in temperature allows your mind to focus on the temperature difference instead of your thoughts – helping to reduce stress.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep tissue massage is one of the best ways to relax your full body and release any tension in the body. Get rid of pain and tension built up by stress with our relaxing deep tissue massage techniques.
If you’re close to Colton, you can visit us for a deep tissue massage in Leeds. Or, you can book into either our Wakefield or Leeds clinic online today.