Getting and giving nice long hugs has been proven to release oxytocin – the “feel-good” hormone – in our bodies. But hugs can be few and far between. And going up and hugging everybody you meet is just not a good idea. So, if you can’t get a hug, get a massage!
A really good professional massage feels heavenly, to be sure. The soothing spa music alone is enough to transport you to a beautifully relaxing state of mind. But the good feelings from a massage do more than just relax you.
According to neuroscientist Alex Korb, “The results are fairly clear that massage boosts your serotonin by as much as 30 percent. Massage also decreases stress hormones and raises dopamine levels, which helps you create new good habits. Massage reduces pain because the oxytocin system activates painkilling endorphins. Massage also improves sleep and reduces fatigue by increasing serotonin and dopamine and decreasing the stress hormone cortisol.”
That’s not all. Having a massage on a regular basis increases the activity level of the body’s white blood cells that fight viruses.
A good massage is worth every dollar you spend, and Groupon often has great massage specials that make them as affordable as a bag of groceries.
Video by ADDICTIVE_STOCK
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