Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi - (Page 12)

W 12 SU M M E R 2 014 STRESS BUSTER: MASSAGE How It Works: You already know that massage eases tense muscles, relieves headaches and reduces joint pain. But it has also proved effective for combating stress by increasing the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. In one study, heart rate slowed and the relaxation response kicked in after ﬁve minutes of massage. "Giving yourself permission to take an hour to wind down is relaxing in and of itself," says Daniel Kirsch, the president of the American Institute of Stress. You don't have to spend big bucks at a spa to get the stress-busting beneﬁts of massage. Ask a friend to rub your shoulders or give yourself a foot or hand massage to ease stress. When to Use It: When you can take a short timeout. Massage proves that you don't have to work hard to relieve stress. Once the appointment is made, all you have to do is choose a scented oil, listen to the nature soundtrack and enjoy the feeling of a skilled therapist working out the kinks. If you're uncomfortable with a stranger seeing you unclothed (for some, it adds stress), try Thai massage. You'll wear loose-ﬁtting clothing while the therapist presses rhythmically and moves your body into positions that ease tension. PHOTO BY PHOTOALTO/SUPERSTOCK hile some stressors are ﬂeeting-like the butterﬂies you feel before a nurse draws blood-a constant barrage of them can cause serious health issues. Stress has been linked to headaches, fatigue, depression and heart disease, leading the American Psychological Association to declare that the nation is on the verge of a stress-induced public health crisis. "To ease stress, we need to take a break and make time for things that relax us," explains Mary Ann Bauman, MD, a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association. "If we keep exposing ourselves to stress without taking time to recharge, we end up getting sick." The possible health implications of stress have led to countless newspaper headlines, best-selling books, TV shows and radio segments urging you to calm down. The avalanche of advice can actually add to your stress level. When you feel the familiar symptoms of stress-chest pain, insomnia, upset stomach, sweating, a lack of concentration-should you veg in front of your favorite sitcom? Tuck into a child's pose? Make an appointment for a neck massage? Go for a brisk walk? It depends. "There is no one-size-ﬁts-all solution for stress relief," Bauman says. The techniques that are effective for combating stress depend on the situation. Do you want to know which proven stress-busting strategies work in different situations? Keep reading-and try to relax.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi
Contents
From the CEO
Back in Action
Top Honors
Stress SOS
The Truth About Sunscreen
The Transformers
Get Your Head in the Game
The Journey Continues
On the Cover
The Foot Follies
Friendly Fat
Virtual Health
The Eyes Have It
Worth the Weight
Small Wonders
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2014 - North Mississippi