A Matter of Time
Everyone knows that getting a massage is a great way to unwind, but did you know it’s scientifically proven to be good for you? A study published in the journal Scientific Reports in September of 2020 found that brief periods of relaxation, especially when combined with massage, are emotionally and physically regenerative. The study concludes that 10 minutes was plenty of time to kickstart the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), reduce stress levels and initiate healing.
The PSNS is an involuntary part of the nervous system that allows us to “rest and digest”. Think of it as your body’s built in stress fighting superhero. It controls necessary bodily functions when a person is at ease, including stimulating digestion, easing muscle tension and activating metabolism. High levels of anxiety cause the body to release the stress hormones, that have an immediate physical effect. Pounding heart? Sweating? Increased shallow breathing? Tense muscles? Yeah, that’s your body’s fight or flight response kicking in, preventing your parasympathetic nervous system from doing its job. From an evolutionary standpoint, fight or flight takes over in humans so we can quickly react to life-threatening situations. Unfortunately, in today’s modern world, this physical reaction rears its ugly head at all of those non life-threatening stressors that come at us every day.
When the body is constantly unable to find a state of rest, it takes a toll both physically and psychologically. Long-term effects of chronic stress contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, headaches, digestion problems, sleep disorders, weight gain and so much more. We can learn to trigger our PSNS to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Doing so will immediately improve your mood, strengthen your immune system and reduce blood pressure. So what can you do?
Meditate. Try mindful.org for 10-minute meditation
Play. Be a kid at heart and spend a time with the little ones and/or pets in your life enjoying the simple pleasures of play time. For summertime fun, head to Splashville in our very own Pack Square.
Exercise. Go for a run, a leisurely stroll, lift weights, take a hike, shoot hoops, whatever your pleasure, find a way to get active. AVL Today posted a great run down of fitness studio’s in the 828. Check out their article for more information.
Nature. Get outside and take in the beauty of mother nature. Visit the North Carolina Arboretum, less than 15 minutes from downtown Asheville.
Massage. Book a session, you know you want to.
There’s no better way to decompress than getting a massage. RU Social Spa services were crafted to deliver focused massage right where you need it most, in dynamic 15-minute segments. After all, an express massage may be all that you need. Remember, it only takes ten minutes of massage to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and increasing dopamine and endorphin levels to improve overall mood while relieving pain. A 15-minute Triple Crown, head, neck & shoulder massage at RU Social Spa during your lunch break could change the trajectory of your day for the better.
photo credit @sanahsuvarna