I was reading the Los Angeles Times Sunday travel section for January 3, 2016. Almost the entire section was devoted to the topic of Wellness Travel. Author Rosemary McClure wrote columns on "Get with a program" and "Kick-start the year in spa style". In these columns, the author reviewed options for spa and fitness facilities in the Southern California region. As she noted, "No one calls them fat farms anymore, but the goal is the same: to help participants regain control of their lives. Most wellness resorts and spas encourage healthful living and try to educate vacationers about nutrition". Programs reviewed included some combination of spa treatments, exercise of different types, nutritional education, cooking classes, massage treatments, and occasionally mental wellness programs. In a small companion article titled "Relieve LAX stress with a rub", author Alene Dawson described the growing popularity and availability of chair massages at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and other airports across the nation.
It is well known that the popularity of fitness clubs peaks in January following the holiday season. Alas, participation drops over the year as does adherence to well-intentioned New Year's resolutions. Also, many people experience stress during the holiday season with the numerous activities, demands, expectations, and gatherings. How about you? I also have seen many individuals with depressive reactions during and just after the holiday season.
How well do you think you manage your reaction to daily stressors? As I've said on numerous occasions, stressors are a part of life. How you react to them is your choice. A key element is your mental perspective, namely what you say to yourself about the stressful challenge. If you say that you're overwhelmned, can't handle the stressor, or lament that it is happening to you, then your response may be one of extreme distress. On the other hand, if you limit your emotional reactions, note your past abilities to handle changes, and cease asking "why me?", then your response likely will be one of less distress. Nevertheless, the New Year is a good time to assess your life in various areas.
If you do not choose to pay the high fees of the programs listed in the LA Times articles, which range from $2000-$8800 for a one week stay, then focus on some or all of the following areas for managing stress, all of which I've written about in other posts:
1. Mental wellness. I discussed this above. What belief and meaning you give to your stressors largely determines your emotional reaction, which then influences your behavior. You can bring about positive physical changes in your brain.
2. Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, yoga. All of these strategies serve to help you remain in the present, catastrophize less, attend to your breathing and helpful imagery, and have positive physical effects contrary to stress reactions.
3. Massage therapy. In a study from the Mayo Clinic, research scientists noted that massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being.
4. Exercise, diet/nutrition, and proper rest. All of these are necessary as a part of healthy living. If you don't exercise, eat too much junk food, and don't get 6-8 hours of sleep, you are more vulnerable to overreactions to stressful changes.
5. Time management. You don't need to get caught up in "To-do" lists. However, being aware not to overschedule your days and saying no occasionally to requests will go a long way toward limiting your tendency to feelings of overwhelmn and stress.
6. Social connections. Every study I've seen indicates that social connections and support mitigate stress, lessen depression, and contribute to longevity. You do not need to have scores of acquaintances but enough persons in your life with whom you can discuss your plans and concerns without being judged.
7. Spirituality. Belief in a higher power can be a source of comfort and reduced stress. There is research indicating that it is good for your brain as well.
So there it is. Having a plan with some strategies for controlling the stressors in your life will improve your physical, mental, spiritual, and social well being. And if you happen to be in LAX feeling stressed, go ahead and try a chair massage. Live your best life.
Dr. Paul Longobardi
For information on these and related issues, please see my website at www.successandmindset.com