Friday, December 28, 2007

INSPIRATION FOR THE HOLIDAYS

INSPIRATION FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Beat Holiday Stress with Breath and Massage

Take a deep breath. No, really... stop for a moment and just take a deep breath. During the holiday season, so many of us are running around at a hectic pace doing everything for everyone excpet for ourselves. When was the last time you just took a moment for yourself to relax? Its safe now. No one's looking. Take a deep breath.

Deep breathing can be the source of profound relaxation and it doesn't have to take any time at all. You can do it at your desk. You can do it in your car. You can do it at the dinner table. You can do it right now.

  1. Find a comfortable sitting position
  2. Close your eyes or keep them at a soft gaze at nothing in particular (eyes open, of course, if you are driving)
  3. Inhale through your nose to a count of four
  4. Exhale through your nose to a count of eight
  5. Repeat the breath five times
  6. Open your eyes and breathe normally and feel how your body and mind have shifted

It is no coincidence that the word inspire means both to breathe in and to fill with a special feeling. How do you feel when you take a few moments to inspire? Do you feel inspired? I know I do!

Many people release tension with long, deep and releasing breaths when they receive massage. Its part of what's so relaxing about massage. So if you find yourself needing to turn off the stress of the season, a massage right about now is a wonderful idea. And if you just cant find the time for that, stop for a moment and take a breath. No one's looking.

Insomnia? No Worries - Massage Will Put You Right To Sleep

WE'LL PUT YOU TO SLEEP
But We Don't Take It Personally...

Bodymind is pleased to announce that we have extended our weekday hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to 9:00 PM, so if you are a commuter, a weekend warrior, suffer from insomnia, have to get the kids off the bus in the afternoon, or just have a hard time finding time in the day for yourself, we've just made it a little easier for you.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, people receiving therapeutic massage report a reduction in the symptoms of insomnia. And what better time to feel sleepy than at bedtime! Just think how lovely it would be to come for an evening massage and then, all relaxed, slip right in to bed. zzzzzzzz.......

Massage Therapy Can Help Relieve Holiday Stress

HO, HO, HO... OH, NO!
Holiday Time Can Bring Stress Whether
You've Been Bad or Good

For many people, the Holiday season, while exciting and fun, tends to also be the most stressful time of year. Over time, stress, whether physical or emotional, can negatively affect your body's inner workings. Stress has been shown to exacerbate and even cause conditions like:

  • Heart Disease
  • Disorders of the Digestive System
  • Impaired Memory
  • Decreased Immunity

In addition to the physical ailments, stress can leave you feeling fatigued, less able and less willing to do the things that bring you joy, like spending time with your loved ones.

Massage is one of the best stress-relievers I know. Each of us knows this in the very core of our being. Do you remember as a child when your aunt or mother or best friend used to rub your back to soothe you to sleep or patted you on the back to relieve a fear? We know that touch, even by untrained laypeople is healing. Imagine the stress-reducing healing benefits that massage has when applied by a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Perhaps the mere thought of coming to the massage studio where soothing music is playing, the lights are dim, aromatherapy is in the air and the time is set aside especially for you begins to evoke the feelings of rest, relaxation and stress reduction that a therapeutic massage promises.

During and after a massage, many people find their stress levels significantly reduced. The less stress you have, the more joyful you are able and willing to be, the better your immune function, and your sense of well-being? ... sky-high!

So, even though (and especially since) this is a busy time of year, consider making some time for yourself to de-stress and take care of yourself by receiving a massage. And after the holiday season is over, have another to really seal the deal.

Amanda and I look forward to helping you relieve your stress this Holiday season and throughout the year at Bodymind Massage!

Peace,
Helen Gutfreund, LMT, NCTMB