May 06, 2010

The ultimate multi-tasker - that's what I'm known as. Another more realistic term would be workaholic. I'm programmed to create and dialed in to achieve. Throw in a couple of cute kids and hubby into the mix and I'm running on overload.

I actually don't mind the constant throb of adrenaline in my veins from the minute I wake up to the time I collapse in my cozy bed at night. But after reading this, I tried to pull back...a bit...a little...ish.

Work is a habit. It's also how I define myself. If I take work out of the equation I'm a little lost. I know, it's not good. Just telling the truth.

So, when I was invited by Elmwood Spa to spend a day relaxing with my mom, I actually almost said this: "I'm sorry, but I'm too busy to relax".  Sound crazy? Well it was. So I stopped myself and forced myself into a day off to do...nothing.

My mom and I are both programmed to work, so this was important for both of us to unwind, breathe, relax, catch up and just be.

We started with a nice soak in the hot tub - my rigidly understretched muscles were unsure how to respond to the calming waters.

Next stop, my mom and I headed to our respective treatments. My mom went off to become a Maori Princess. Mine was a 75 minute Deep Siam Massage.  Talk about amazing. As well as a regular deep massage, a heated Thai herbal compress (lemongrass, plai, tumeric, kaffir lime and other spices) was used to massage me.  I'm told the heat restores and redirects energy while herbs and essential oils repair the body by balancing the senses and calming the nerves. Mmmmmmmm.

In my typical workaholic ways, I actually started interviewing my masseuse about the health benefits of massage. God, I'm such an idiot. She had a lot of great info to share with me. Unfortunately I can't remember anything she said because I passed out into blissful nothingness within minutes of the treatment.

She emailed me later to remind me of the health benefits of massage for all of us stressed out, overworked moms. Here's what I learned:

Despite its bad reputation, stress is one of our bodies' best defense systems. When we sense danger, such as a car coming at us, our bodies release adrenaline and other chemicals that make us more alert, raise our blood pressure and increase our strength, speed and reaction time. This positive effect of stress can be harnessed for short term productivity goals. Which is why I'm addicted to stress....
 
But...stress can also cause fatigue and contribute to physical ailments.
 
Here's why we need Massage Therapy
 
-          increases white blood cell counts
-          decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol
-          decreases pain by relieving muscle spasm, cramps, body tension, inflammation
-          increases blood flow which removes toxins and brings more oxygen and nutrients

All this helps improve the immune system by reducing anxiety and stress.
 
Regular massage therapy can reduce mental fatigue and helps you relax and get better sleep. It improves the range of motion in your limbs and relieves joint tension. Massage even has fantastic effects on your brain: it releases natural painkillers and endorphins into your body, especially the neurotransmitter serotonin which improves sleep patterns and eases stress and aggression.
 
The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.

Thanks to the Elmwood Spa for waking me up and reminding me to take time for myself. Note to self: Sometimes those who say it the loudest should listen to themselves speak. Just sayin'....
 

Labels/Tags: Elmwood Spa, Massage, therapeutic benefits,

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