From the moment we open our eyes in the morning until we drift off to the sounds of Letterman or Leno, we are all constantly bombarded by negativity, whether it’s in the form of entertainment or news. If it’s not some new threat to our already beleaguered economy, it’s something awful that has happened in Iraq or Afghanistan or out in the Gulf. It never stops.
Add all of this to the insane schedules most people try to maintain these days and the ever-increasing demands of work and family and is there any wonder that our stress levels are off the chart? Even worse, all of those stressors are being internalized and stored in our muscles and connective tissue.
Most of us are familiar with how uncomfortable those tight and knotted muscles can feel. What you may not know, however, is that stress creates harmful toxins that end up being trapped and stored in the layers of muscle and tissue. Medical professionals all now agree that left unchecked, stress can lead to heart disease, stroke and even death.
So, what can we do? Getting away from it all for a sufficient amount of time to de-stress is rarely an option. Short of that, one of the best ways to cope with stress is to book time on a massage table. In the past, most people thought of massage as a treat, something that would make you feel good. That thinking has undergone a radical change. Today, it is recognized that massage therapists are trained in specific techniques that will relieve and release the stress that has accumulated in muscles and tissue. No longer considered a luxury, in many cases massage is now a necessity.
Since one of our most significant stressors is financial concerns, it is very important to make sure that our money is spent wisely. Always try to get a referral from someone you know before making an appointment with a massage therapist. Also, try to first tour the center. How well-maintained the facility and equipment are will tell you a lot. Pay particular attention to the massage therapy table. Older models, while still functional, simply do not provide the level of comfort as the newer innovations.
Finding the time and funds for massage may not seem like it should be at the top of your priority list. If you have the opportunity to speak with someone who ignored the warning signs of stress, you may change your mind, which may make more difference than you can imagine.