We are getting ever so close to Mental Health month and there are few better ways to acknowledge mental health month than being hands on(excuse the pun) and having a massage therapist come to your workplace. Even if each of your staff receive a 10 minute seated massage, it can make a world of difference to their day with regard to mood and productivity.

Massages have countless benefits.

Massaging your body can help fight diseases and reduce overall stress.

Massage is known to improve circulation among other great benefits.

A lot of people don’t know that massage treatments can improve mental health as well.

If you are working hard and under stress(as we all are, whether we realise it or not) it is a wonderful feeling of having a seated massage at work to unwind you and really lift your spirits for the rest of the day.

Read on to find out how and why it works.

1. Massages reduce anxiety and depression.
Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. Massages, particularly deep-tissue treatments, effectively reduce levels of cortisol in the body. They encourage the body to enter deep relaxation, improving circulation and enabling tension points to release.This can lower blood pressure and reduce heart rates.These physical effects can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can get worse with stress and accumulated tension.

2. Massages improve sleep and immune system support.
Massage treatments improve a body’s circulation. Good circulation is essential to a strong immune system. Reducing levels of stress hormones in the body is also a good way to prevent future illness or sickness.The deep physical and mental relaxation that massages induce are likely to improve sleep cycles. The body’s ability to relax is directly related to its ability to achieve healthy, deep sleep.

3. Released endorphins can have the same effect as meditation or exercise.
Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are associated with feelings of pain, intense joy, and physical pleasure.These are released during exercise and meditation. They are also released during massages. As the body relaxes during a treatment, it is more likely to produce endorphins. This can result in an elevated mood, greater happiness, and further relaxation.

4. Human touch is key to mental health.
Basic human touch can similarly release endorphins and feelings of contentment in the body. This is why it feels good to hug people we love or indicate affection through touch. Massage treatments involve direct touch therapy. This connection further serves to elevate mood and improve mental well-being.

5. Massages prevent long-term issues.
There are many different types of massages.

No matter what type you choose, your treatment is meant to address the smaller issues in order to prevent long-term ones.For example, getting a massage to focus on lower back pain is a great way to prevent further back trauma or injury. Treating massages and mental health, in the same way, has identical results. Using massage as a way to reduce anxiety will prevent future long-term mental health issues.

Other positive mental emotions you may experience after a massage include:
Clarity of mind
Increased energy
Decreased stress levels
Increased creativity
Increased rational thinking
Increased body awareness and general consciousness.
Blissful, mental state
A new sense of purpose
A great sense of personal satisfaction and achievement
Relaxed state
Wouldn’t it be great to have these feeling and emotions pumping throughout your body while you are at work, even if it only once in a while, at your workplace?

Conclusion

Massages reduce levels of cortisol in the body, releasing endorphins and boosting the immune system.
All of these positive physical effects are directly related to mental health. People are less likely to lose sleep, be anxious or depressed, or experience chronic pain if they are experiencing the positive physical effects of massage therapy.

I am not saying it is the be all and end all and will cure you all, but it can be, and should be used with other wellbeing activities.

However, don’t underestimate the value of being pampered during the day, at work, where you are maybe taking 20 minutes out of your day to feel great and re-energised.