Let’s talk self-care. It’s a pretty popular topic these days and with good reason. It’s just as important to your health as good nutrition and regular exercise. Self-care tends to improve our immunity, increase positive thinking, and make us less prone to stress, depression, anxiety, and other emotional health issues. It not only helps us, but allows us to help others as well – as parents, partners, friends, and co-workers. It’s not a coincidence that at the start of every flight, attendants say, “In the event of an emergency, please put on your oxygen mask before assisting others.”
Self-care is a daily practice, and massage is a great way to take care of your own well-being, particularly when you travel. Here is a sampling of the benefits massage offers when you are traveling for business or pleasure.
Lower your stress levels
Research has shown that massage can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, relax your muscles, and increase the production of endorphins, chemicals which help relieve stress and pain. Massage also promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine, both of which foster a sense of well-being and contentment. It is the perfect pick-me-up after an intense business meeting or a delayed and crowded flight.
Alleviate pain
Whether you attempted a rigorous hike or spent hours on the bike trail, massage therapy is the perfect tool for relieving tight, sore muscles. An Australian study revealed that massage was effective in reducing swelling and in relieving DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness) by about 30%. Massage also increases blood flow to the muscles, which may help them heal.
Cure insomnia
Sometimes, it takes a little bit longer than usual to fall asleep when we’re in a different bed. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to quickly fall into a vicious cycle as frustration with not being able to fall asleep only leads to more tossing and turning. Try Zeel’s luxurious Sleep Massage, which includes techniques designed to induce calm, relaxation, and deep sleep.
Enhance immune system functions
While traveling offers a wonderful change of scenery, it also stresses the body. Changes in air pressure, loss of sleep and/or disruption of sleep cycles, and exposure to different temperatures and climates can have a negative effect on your immune system and increase your chances of getting sick. Massage therapy increases the activity level of the body’s white blood cells, which work to fight viruses. In fact, numerous studies show that regular massages can make the immune system stronger. Book a massage ahead of time to ensure you stay healthy on your next trip.
Increase energy
More energy translates into more fun with the family or increased productivity with clients and colleagues. By improving your overall circulation, massage can increase your energy level, giving you a boost to make sure you’re at the top of your game.
So, next time you’re on the road, make sure you take care of your well-being. Check out all the cities Zeel is in and book your massage to come to your hotel, home, Airbnb or office.
