The month of January is about to come to an end. I, for one, am very glad that it is over. For some reason (many reasons) this January has kicked my butt, and I am welcoming February with open arms. February brings us that much closer to March, which is typically when we notice the signs of Spring and the days getting longer. We have not had a harsh winter at all by Buffalo, NY standards. In fact, temperature wise and snowfall wise, this January can be categorized as “mild” (in meteorological terms). It has, however, been very damp and very gray. The sun has not made many appearances at all. This definitely affects me. I have struggled with motivation to work, to exercise, to socialize. Luckily, I do not succumb to those struggles. I have continued to work, I have dragged myself to my Barre classes, and I have even gone outside to run. I owe my ability to do these things to many factors. One is that I was raised to be strong, period. I am what I refer to as a “boot-strapper”, meaning that no matter what life throws at me, I pull up my boot straps and keep on going. Sometimes it has proven to be hard, but I still do it. But the next BIG reason is this: According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapy has been shown to improve mood and elevate energy levels during the dark, cold Winter months.
People looking to fend off the winter blues may find relief by integrating massage therapy into their health maintenance routine. Shorter days and colder temperatures leave many Americans feeling depressed and lethargic, yet studies show that regular massages improve mood and reset circadian rhythms, leading to better sleep and more energy.
I definitely feel the “Winter Blues” during this time of year every year. This year seems to be hitting me worse than others, but I still feel strong enough to persevere. But there is a more serious disorder that can affect people during the Winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is recognized as a major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. A visit to your primary doctor is recommended if you feel this might be what is afflicting you. Between the two, “Winter Blues” and “SAD” affect as many as one in five Americans, and may be aggravated in areas that observe Daylight Savings Time.
“As we continue in the colder, darker months, massage therapy may be an effective method of deflecting common seasonal challenges,” said Jeff Smoot, 2015 President of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). “Massage benefits the way our bodies react to negative influences, whether that’s weather, anxieties or disorders.” Here are some ways massage can benefit those plagued with either the “Winter Blues” or “SAD”:
Massage is an effective tool for managing either of these by doing the following:
- Decrease anxiety
- Enhance sleep quality
- Promote greater energy
- Improve concentration
- Increase circulation
- Reduce fatigue
If you are feeling a little “down”, now is the time to take care of yourself! Come on in for a massage. Put yourself first, because you are no good to others if you are no good to yourself! I look forward to seeing you soon.