Some people love the holiday season—the lights, the gatherings, the snow, while others do not look forward to it—the added stress, the tough relationships, the memories of hard times past. Whatever you think or feel, massage therapy is a great addition to your holiday schedule!

Stress Relief:

Massage therapy during the holidays can be beneficial for many reasons. One reason is it can help to decrease stress and aid in relaxation. During stressful times, whether good or bad stress, it is important to turn to treatments and ways to stay relaxed. The relaxation can help us to stay in our parasympathetic nervous system response, one that is a “rest and digest” state rather than the stressful “fight or flight” stage. When we are in our “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous system state, we tend to have elevated cortisol levels, which are tough on our systems.

Strengthened Immune Response:

Massage therapy during this time of the year is also helpful for improving our immune systems and immune responses. This means we can fight off illnesses more efficiently, and prevent those nasty winter colds. Regular massages during the winter months are a great way to keep feeling your best and have a healthy season.

Mood Elevation:

Massage therapy can also be beneficial for elevating one’s mood. Massages can potentially help with feelings of anxiety and depression. During the winter, when there is less sunlight, it is important to use strategies to combat those winter blues. Why not find ways to keep our moods elevated and our happy hormones circulating?

These are just a few of the many reasons why massage therapy is helpful during the holidays. Keep yourself and your loved ones happy and healthy by participating in massage therapy sessions. Give the gift of massage therapy to your family and friends this holiday season!