As the Days Get Shorter: The Benefits of Massage Through Fall and Winter
It’s happening again.
The days are getting shorter, the mornings are getting cooler, and before we know it, leaving work at 5:00 p.m. will somehow feel like leaving at midnight.
Fall and winter can be beautiful, but the change in seasons can also affect how we feel, both physically and mentally. Less daylight, colder temperatures, busier routines and more time spent indoors can all play a part. And while we can’t convince the sun to stick around until 9:00 p.m. all year, there are things we can do to help our bodies adjust.
Massage therapy is one of them.
Less sunshine can affect more than your tan
Sunlight plays an important role in our body's internal clock, also known as our circadian rhythm. As daylight hours decrease, some people notice changes in their energy, sleep and mood.
You may feel a little more tired. Getting out of bed can suddenly require negotiations. Motivation to go for that evening walk may disappear the second you look outside and realize it’s already dark.
For some people, seasonal changes can have a much greater effect on mood and mental health. Massage therapy isn't a treatment for seasonal affective disorder or depression, but it can be one part of a healthy self care routine.
Massage provides dedicated time to slow down, unplug and relax. For many people, that alone can feel pretty wonderful during a busy fall or winter week.
Cold weather can make us feel a little… creaky
There’s also the physical side of the season.
When it gets cold outside, many of us naturally spend more time indoors and move a little less. Maybe the summer walks get shorter. Maybe gardening disappears from the schedule. Maybe the closest thing to cardio some evenings is getting up to find the TV remote.
Changes in activity and routine can contribute to feelings of stiffness and muscle tension.
Massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension, support mobility and promote relaxation, which can be especially welcome when your body isn't moving quite as much as it did during the warmer months.
And for those who become more active in the fall and winter, including hockey players, skiers, gym goers, runners and everyone suddenly determined to start a new fitness routine, massage can also be a useful part of maintaining and caring for hardworking muscles.
Winter tends to bring stress along with it
Fall starts with back to school schedules and changing routines. Then suddenly Thanksgiving is here. Then the holidays. Then shopping, gatherings, travelling, end of year deadlines and trying to remember where you stored the winter boots.
Stress often shows up physically.
Shoulders creep upward. Jaws clench. Necks get tight. Headaches can appear. Sleep may not feel quite as restful.
Massage gives your body an opportunity to slow things down. Registered Massage Therapy can help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation while giving you something many of us don't get enough of during busy seasons: quiet time.
No emails. No errands. No laundry.
Just you and a massage table.
Don't wait until your body is yelling at you
One of the biggest misconceptions about massage is that you need to be in pain before booking an appointment.
You don't.
Massage can certainly be helpful when you're dealing with muscle tension or discomfort, but it can also be part of maintaining how you feel throughout the year.
As we head into the colder and darker months here in Kitchener Waterloo, this can be a great time to build a little more care into your regular routine rather than waiting until your neck decides it can no longer turn left.
A little something to look forward to
There is something comforting about walking in from a cold, grey day, getting onto a warm massage table and knowing that, for the next little while, you don't have to do anything.
If you're looking for massage therapy in Kitchener Waterloo, our team at MÜVE Massage Therapy Studio includes Registered Massage Therapists offering a variety of treatment styles and approaches, so you can find the therapist and treatment that feel right for you.
Whether you're dealing with tight muscles, an active lifestyle, a stressful schedule or you simply want to make a little more time for yourself this fall and winter, we're here.
The days may be getting shorter.
Your self care doesn't have to.
MÜVE Massage Therapy Studio
Kitchener Waterloo, Ontario
Morning, evening and weekend appointments are available, with direct billing available to many major insurance providers.
Comments