We’ve all heard of serotonin, it’s the brain chemical that quells pain and promotes a sense of well being.
It’s the neurochemical targeted by most antidepressant drugs, but you don’t have to take those pills or any other to increase your body’s natural levels.
Why would you want to do this?
Adequate Serotonin Production
Studies show adequate serotonin production is essential in controlling mood, sleep and even gut balance.
So how do you increase it in an easy to do way that’s actually free?
Self massage.
In a recent study, 30 adults with chronic pain each received a 30-minute massage twice a for up to five weeks.
After the study was completed, participants who received massage reported improved sleep as well as reduced pain, anxiety, and depression–all of which can hinder sleep both in quality and duration.
And that’s just one of many studies that show the effectiveness of massage at improving sleep and well being.
Here’s how you can try it out yourself without spending a dime or bothering a loved one to help:
Foot Reflexology
Foot Reflexology is a form of massage originating in Asia that focuses on the nearly 20,000 nerves in the human foot, seeking out trigger points that theoretically correspond to other parts of our bodies.
Check out this video for a brief overview and how-to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xfuD6z7xos
The Head And Neck
One other location that contains numerous trigger points and other sensitive nerves is the head and neck.
Conveniently, it’s also another easy location to thoroughly go over by yourself.
Fall asleep easier by releasing tension in the scalp, facial muscles and inducing a deep sense of relaxation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezp1YLGXmbA
Progressive Body Relaxation Techniques
If the only time you find yourself free to relax is in your bed itself, try progressive body relaxation techniques.
Starting with the muscles in your toes, flex each one and slowly relax it before moving on to the next muscle or group.
As you release the flex, picture your stress and strain flowing away.
You should find yourself sound asleep before you even get to your scalp, but in case you aren’t, you can work your way back down to your toes.
Here are some more resources to help you:
- Barbara Kunz, Kevin Kunz
- ✔MAXIMUM RELAXATION: Melt the aches & stresses away as you glide your feet on the TheraFlow. Feel the warmth of reflexology radiate from your feet to the rest of your body. Breathe. Relax.
