November 2008
Welcome to this month’s article! When people think about getting a massage, they often connect the need to overworked muscles or tension. One of the major reasons for needing a massage is mental stress and worry, which can lead to tension in the neck and shoulder area, headaches, and/or lower back pain. Many people are now experiencing higher levels of worry-related stress, so most of this issue shares some positive news that hopefully brightens your day and gives you a more optimistic outlook.
See you soon!
Think Happy — Feel Better!
When faced with challenging times such as in today’s troubled global economy, it’s easy to have your attention focused on the negative news that points to an uncertain future. But dwelling on these potential threats can take their toll on your well being. What can you do to keep your quality of life high, in spite of the unpredictable world around you?
When things seem to move out of your ability to control them, it’s important to find the areas of your life you can control and can move in a positive direction. Worrying over things out of your control can only make things worse, while finding little things you can do to improve your personal life can lift your spirits and give your life a higher sense of purpose. So ask yourself: What can you do to make your life better right now?
Even simple things like taking a walk and observing some beautiful things in your environment can increase your level of appreciation and happiness.
Sometimes the best thing about challenging times is that it can help bring into focus what is truly important in your life. This can be an ideal time for you to take stock of your life and your goals and move your attention to those elements of your life that can bring you the greatest satisfaction.
Conditions in life will always be in a state of change, and how you handle these changes sets the stage for your future. There will always be things that you can’t control, but the most important things—like your outlook about life and the way you choose to spend your days—are areas you can choose.
So, take good care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually in the coming months and enjoy your life!
What’s Been on Your Mind?
What you think can make a difference in your life. In the November/December 2008 issue of AARP magazine, an article entitled “Find Purpose, Live Longer” by Dan Buettner shares the results of some studies that point out how our mental outlook can improve our overall health:
“A 2005 study that followed 12,640 middle-aged Hungarians found that those who felt their lives had meaning had significantly lower rates of cancer and heart disease than did those who didn’t feel this way. Another study of some of the world’s most long-lived people ... discovered that having a sense of purpose ... was a common trait in many of the world’s centenarians.
“ ‘People who feel their life is part of a larger plan and are guided by their spiritual values have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, a lower risk of heart attack and cancer, and heal faster and live longer,’ says Harold G. Koening, M.D. ... The benefits extend into other realms, adds Deepak Chopra, M.D., bestselling author and cofounder of the Chopra Center for Wellness in Carlsbad, California. ‘Purpose gives you fulfillment and joy,’ he says, ‘and that can bring you the experience of happiness.’ ”
Stay Healthy This Holiday Season!
Chances are you have more than ever to do in the coming weeks. More on your plate can mean more stress, and too much stress can lead to illness.
Be sure to avoid taking on more than you can handle and allow yourself some time to recuperate from your hectic schedule.
Scheduling a relaxing, rejuvenating massage is one of the best ways to reduce stress and to support your overall health. Numerous studies validate massage’s ability to help your body handle stress and to function better. And when you have many responsibilities, staying healthy and feeling your best is so important.
So, put your well being high on your list of priorities and schedule your next soothing massage. Devote a little block of time to reward yourself with a de-stressing massage session that can keep you going strong!
Live a little longer —
Can you cheat death? Yes, you can, says a new Harvard School of Public Health study of 120,000 people—at least to the extent of adding years or even decades to your life. When researchers analyzed the health records of these people over 32 years, they found that more than half of the deaths in this group could have been prevented through healthier lifestyle choices, such as exercising regularly, not smoking, not drinking to excess, and eating properly to avoid major weight gain. The study found that 44 percent of the deaths from cancer were avoidable, as were a whopping 72 percent of the cardiovascular fatalities. Even tiny changes, like walking for half an hour every day, quitting smoking, or eating more vegetables and less fat, can significantly reduce one’s risk of cancer and heart disease. Extending one’s life, Harvard’s
researchers say, is literally a matter of will. — The Week Vol. 8 Iss. 382
Happiness is when what you think, what you say,
and what you do are in harmony.
— Mahatma Gandhi
The content of this article is not designed
to replace professional medical advice. If you’re ill, consult a physician.
© 2008 Massage Marketing. Used with permission; all rights reserved.
