The Power of Touch: How Massage Therapy Helps Me To Calm My Anxiety and Regain Clarity
Hi everyone, Bridget Jones here, and today I want to share something personal that might resonate with a lot of you. How massage helps me calm my anxiety. Like many of us, I have moments when stress and anxiety get the best of me. Yep, Im jut not one for discussing it. Whether it’s the demands of running my business, keeping up with social commitments, or simply navigating the ups and downs of life, anxiety can and does sneak up on me and weighs me down sometimes. Especially on this day, which is what bought me to writing this. But over the years, I’ve discovered a powerful tool that helps me find relief and clarity: massage therapy.
Why I Turn to Massage for Anxiety Relief
One of my favorite ways to cope when I’m feeling overwhelmed is to book myself a massage. I do love love and practice mediation. However on days like today when my mind doesn’t slow down as easy as normal, I will opt for a massage first. Then I will get back to practice with my mediation after the massage when my head is clearer.
For me, how massage helps me calm my anxiety, massage isn’t just a physical therapy – it’s a chance to let go of my mental clutter, connect with myself, and release built-up stress that I may not even be aware I’m carrying.
In those moments of heightened anxiety, a massage can help me step away from my to-do list, quiet the constant mental chatter, and simply be. It’s a safe, tranquil space where I can breathe, reset, and come out feeling refreshed. I’ve come to see these sessions as an essential part of my self-care routine, along with journaling, meditation, and long walks.
Remember that its a Self Care Practice. We have to keep practicing what works and what doesn’t.
The Science Behind Why Massage Eases Anxiety
You might wonder why massage has such a calming effect. Research shows that the power of touch plays a significant role in reducing anxiety. Gentle, intentional touch promotes the release of oxytocin – often called the “love hormone” – which fosters a feeling of safety and calm. At the same time, massage lowers levels of cortisol, our main stress hormone, and boosts serotonin and dopamine, which are the chemicals that help us feel happy and balanced.
When I get a massage, I notice how my breathing naturally slows down, my muscles soften, and I feel more in tune with my body. This physical relaxation creates the space for my mind to relax as well, giving me a much-needed pause from any anxious thoughts. It’s almost as if the tension in my mind melts away along with the tension in my muscles. I can literally think clearer after.
My Go-To Massage Options for Anxiety Relief
At Boutique Massage Studios, I’m lucky to have access to various types of massage therapy that can support anxiety relief. When I need deep relaxation, I often opt for a Relaxation Massage – it’s a gentle, flowing massage focused on releasing surface-level stress and allowing my mind to drift. For times when I’m dealing with physical tension on top of mental stress, I’ll choose a Deep Tissue Massage, which gets to those tight spots and helps me release deeply stored tension.
I also find that combining massage with Reiki designed for relaxation, can enhance the experience even further. Laurens soothing hands work with the massage to calm my nervous system and leave me feeling grounded and balanced.
Making Massage Part of My Coping Strategy: How Massage Helps Me Calm My Anxiety
One thing I’ve learned is that dealing with anxiety is about having a holistic approach. Massage therapy alone may not “cure” anxiety, but when combined with other strategies like meditation, exercise, and mindfulness, it plays a huge role in my overall well-being. Knowing I have these sessions booked in my calendar, I feel like I’m better equipped to handle whatever life throws at me.
If you’re someone who also struggles with anxiety, I can’t recommend enough the benefits of incorporating massage into your self-care routine. Even if you’re new to massage, I encourage you to try it out with an open mind and see how it feels. Maybe it will become your go-to sanctuary of peace, just as it has for me.
How to Book Your Own Moment of Calm
If you’re ready to give it a try, our team at Boutique Massage Studios would be happy to support you in finding the right massage to fit your needs. We believe that everyone deserves a place to unwind and connect with themselves. You can book directly through our website or give us a call to chat about which massage might be best for you.
Thank you for letting me share a bit of my journey with you. Here’s to all of us finding moments of calm, clarity, and connection. 💆♀️✨
Warm regards,
Bridget Jones
If you would like to experiment yourself then book online here 🙂