We all deal with stress in our lives but can you tell if you are feeling the harmful effects of anxiety? If so, your body can be sending signals that you may not realise are actually cries for help. And in my blogs about anxiety, I can tell you that massage and the healing power of touch are proven to help your body cope with anxiety.
What are some of the signs of anxiety? There are plenty but here are some common ones:
- Frequent headaches
- Grinding your teeth
- Neck or back aches
- Dry mouth
- Heartburn, stomach pain or nausea
- Frequent sighing
- Rapid pulse or chest pain
- Insomnia
- Increased anger
- Mood swings
- Changed appetite
- Overreaction to minor annoyances
- Social withdrawal
- Constantly tired or fatigued
- Nervous fidgeting
Many of us have some of these symptoms but if you experience most of them, your body is trying to tell you something. Anxiety has a direct effect on your nervous system by putting your body in constant fight or flight mode by releasing adrenaline and cortisol and raising blood pressure and speeding your heart beat.
Your muscles also tense up when you are anxious, which is why you may be feeling more headaches or migraines. Stress also affects breathing and can cause panic attacks. It affects your gastrointestinal system too and has a direct effect on your stomach and bowels. In men, anxiety and stress can lead to impaired testosterone and cause impotence, while women face irregular menstrual cycles, painful periods and lack of desire.
As you can see, anxiety can affect every area of your body. The good news is that regular massage therapy can help your body to relax and this can help your mental, emotional and physical state, during and even days after your massage. I love treating people who are dealing with anxiety because I know how much a massage can help them.
If your body is trying to tell you it is feeling anxiety, call me for a massage session right away.