Nowadays, because the world is always busy, stress is something people see every day. Whether we have work or family issues or are overwhelmed by notifications all day, everyone needs a way to unwind. Massage and meditation are often included when we talk about easy-to-use stress relievers. But if you could pick just one which way would be better to relax? Let’s start and look closely at each one.
Grasping Stress and the Effects It Has on Us
You should first understand how stress influences us before you compare massage and meditation. Stress kicks in the body’s “fight or flight” reaction which causes cortisol and adrenaline to be released. In an emergency, it is good, but if stress is constant, the body stays on high alert and leads to feelings of tiredness, nervousness, sleeping problems and possibly long-term medical issues.
The good news? Both massage and meditation target this stress response—but in different ways.
Getting a massage can bring fast relief to many physical problems.
Massage therapy is the technique of handling and massaging the body’s soft tissues and muscles. In fact, it does more than relax you—it has been shown to have many health benefits.
How Massage Reduces Feelings of Stress:
- Helps to relax the muscles that hold tension
- Helps lower the level of cortisol.
- Increases the amount of serotonin and dopamine in your body
- It improves your ability to sleep and keeps the blood flowing through your body.
- Makes a person feel cared for which comforts them emotionally
Of the offered massages, Swedish, deep tissue or aromatherapy provide the most relief from stress. Most individuals feel relaxed and refreshed right after receiving a massage.
Use Meditation for a Mental Reset and to Achieve Sustainable Benefits
Unlike prayer, meditation is an activity that strengthens our ability to both focus and stay in the moment. Through mindfulness, focused breathing and guided images, meditation helps calm the intense thoughts in your mind.
How Meditation Gives Stress Relief:
- Decreases the amount of activity in the brain’s stress region (the amygdala)
- Causes blood pressure and heart rate to lower down
- Promotes better control of and understanding of emotions
- Helps you get stronger step by step
- Help people feel more relaxed and focused inside
It may take time for you to notice the benefits of meditation which is different from massage. Even with regular exercise, practicing mindfulness can make you more relaxed when facing problems.
If you are overcome by worry, have an anxious mind or are reactive, Reishi is best for you. Meditation helps you calm your mind and the results can carry over into many other situations.
In What Way Is One Better Than the Other?
Grasping Stress and the Effects It Has on Us
Your answer will depend on how you live, who you are and what kinds of stress you are facing. Massage is a great way to get physical relaxation right away. If you’re seeking mental toughness over the long-term, meditation should be part of your plan.
The secret Is, you don’t need to be either/or.
A lot of people discover that massage and meditation work very well in unison. A good massage can help your body relax, so meditation becomes simpler. Also, regularly practicing meditation may help you keep calm during times when you’re not receiving a massage.
Final Thoughts
Stress always happens, but we don’t have to suffer because of it. Self-care, be it through massage or meditation, is really something you need—not just an extra that’s nice to have. Try out both, listen to what your body and mind tell you and discover what’s right for you.
Because each person’s needs are different, stress relief works differently for all of us. You’ve got the potential to manage your health and that can reduce the daily stress you feel.