When Life Gets Hectic: 3 Ways Children Can Benefit From Massage Therapy
When it comes to kids, parents go to great lengths to make sure they are well taken care of. Being a parent is not an easy task because being in charge of rearing a young child is difficult. Parents are always second-guessing themselves when it comes to their interactions with kids. When things are difficult, parents are always looking for new and beneficial ways of helping their children. Below is a closer look at massage and three ways it has been beneficial for children and their development.
The Meaning of Massage
When people usually think of the word “massage,” images of a spa with dim lighting and soft music always come to mind. Although that is true, massage has many more benefits than just being relaxing. More and more people are getting on board with the power of massage and are purchasing massage supplies for their own homes. This way, they are reaping the benefits of massage without spending a lot of money at spas and other wellness centers.
Improves Hormonal Levels
Children have enough problems growing up as they are trying to navigate their feelings and the way they think about certain situations. Massage has a positive effect on them as it increases dopamine levels and decreases cortisol. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, while dopamine is the “feel good” hormone.
The regulation of these two hormones is rather important because they deal with anxiety and stress. We all know children can suffer from a lot of stress and anxiety due to school, families, friends, and so much more.
Improves Quality of Life
Young children are very active when it comes to their minds and bodies. Teaching them to manage their stress in a healthy way will help them become better adults. Many children have a hard time sleeping at night for one reason or another. Massage therapy can help with that. Working with your child to help them relax in the evening will improve their quality of sleep, giving them more energy each day. Not only that, but their levels of concentration are improved as well.
Tools to Manage Stress as Adults
Children who get regular massages will grow up to be better adults when it comes to managing their stress levels, having healthy self-esteem, their sense of appropriate boundaries regarding the human body, and more. Massage is a great way to teach young children about managing stress levels and taking time out of their day to do something beneficial to their health.
As an adult, life gets pretty hectic. Knowing when to stop to pay attention to your mental and physical health is important. Children that have grown up with regular massages will know how to do that when they become adults. Taking time out for one’s mental health is very important. Massage is a great way to handle stress levels and anything else you may be facing.
Being a child is incredibly hard. People don’t think that children experience stress, but they do. Stress happens as early as age two or three. Children going to daycare or preschool can experience stress. The thought of them being in a new environment and surrounded by people they do not know can be very stressful. Fortunately, children are resilient and incredibly smart. With parents that talk to them openly and provide them with the care they need, children will grow up to be better adults.
