Stress Management

Stress Management

Stress!  Even the word evokes tension.  We all experience various types of stress throughout our lives.  How we deal with the stress we are experiencing, can be the key to good health.

The first thing we can do is, recognize the problem.

The following list includes some of the signs of stress overload.

·         Migraine or Tension Headaches

·         Chronic Fatigue

·         Shoulder, neck and Back Pain

·         Insomnia or Nightmares

·         Grinding Teeth

       
       ·         Irritability

       ·         Anxiety

Try some of these methods for reducing your stress.

·         Balance work with play- Give your mind a break from your problems.

       ·         Plan and Prepare- Avoid the last minute “rush”.

·         Positive Thinking- Avoid negative thinking. Try to see the positives in negative   situations, and create learning experiences out of them.

·         Practice Good Nutrition- Eat healthy meals and snacks. Remember your water!

·         Exercise- Regular exercise can help reduce stress and provide as an outlet for anger.  Try    yoga, Tai Chi, and stretches to help your body induce relaxation.

·         RELAX!- Taking 3, slow, deep breaths can help your body start to relax immediately.

 Other Relaxation Techniques are:

·         Music- Listen to relaxing music, or sounds such as: ocean waves, rain, a running stream, a summer breeze.

·         Journal Writing- Writing down our feelings is a good way to release our emotions.

·         Reading- Reading books, poetry, and inspirational works can help lift our spirits.

·         Massage-Treat yourself to a massage, it feels great and helps your body and mind relax!

·         Hot Bath- A hot bath or shower can help ease tension.

Experiment and find methods that work best for you, and then practice them regularly.  Good Luck!

Links to Resources- Massage- Massage with Teresa D. Smith, MS, LMT

                                               Teresa in Little Rock at Sei Bella Med Spa

                               Music- Steven Halpern-

Please contact me if you need additional resources. I have several book recommendations on this subject. Thank you! -Teresa


*If your stress level becomes is severe or unmanageable, please seek help from a qualified health care provider.

                                                                                               

Benefits of Massage

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

Reduce your stress, get healthy and get a massage!  Hope to see you soon!
Schedule your massage today! Little Rock-501-228-6237 or Conway 501-932-0814
 - Teresa D. Smith, MS, LMT