Your Brain Wants You to Book That Spa Day
Ever feel a twinge of guilt when booking a massage or slipping into a sauna? Like maybe it’s too indulgent, or there are more "productive" ways to spend your time?
Let me stop you right there.
These aren't just luxuries — they're powerful tools for your brain health. Let’s break it down.
What a Massage Does for Your Brain
✅ Boosts circulation: Massage improves blood flow, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to the brain, helping it function at its best.
✅ Reduces cortisol: Cortisol is your body’s primary stress hormone. When chronically elevated, it can shrink the hippocampus — the part of your brain critical for memory and learning. Massage helps lower cortisol levels, protecting your brain.
✅ Releases feel-good chemicals: Massage increases the release of serotonin and dopamine, the brain chemicals responsible for mood regulation, focus, and overall mental clarity. This isn’t just about feeling relaxed — it’s about supporting your brain’s chemistry.
✅ Improves sleep quality: Poor sleep directly impacts cognitive function. Massage promotes deeper, restorative sleep by activating the parasympathetic nervous system — your body’s “rest and digest” mode.
How a Sauna Benefits Your Brain
✅ Eliminates toxins that affect brain function: Daily exposure to environmental toxins — like air pollution and chemicals in household products — can impact brain health. Saunas help your body sweat out these harmful substances, supporting clearer thinking.
✅ Combats inflammation: Chronic inflammation accelerates brain aging and increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Regular sauna sessions help reduce inflammation, protecting your brain over time.
✅ Improves blood flow: Just like exercise, the heat from a sauna boosts circulation, increasing blood flow to the brain and supporting optimal cognitive function.
✅ May lower dementia risk: Studies have shown that regular sauna use (4–7 times a week) is associated with a 65% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The exact reason isn't fully understood, but it’s believed to be linked to improved vascular health and reduced inflammation.
Is Self-Care Really Self-Indulgent?
Absolutely not. When you prioritize things like massages and saunas, you’re not just pampering yourself — you’re investing in your brain’s health and longevity.
Your brain thrives when you:
➡️ Lower stress levels ➡️ Reduce inflammation ➡️ Boost circulation ➡️ Support sleep
Your Challenge This Week
Schedule that massage or sauna session — and enjoy every brain-boosting minute of it. Feel the stress melt away, knowing you're doing something incredibly productive for your health.
You’ve earned it — for yourself and your brain.
Cheers to your brain health journey!
Genell
PS: Schedule a FREE 15-minute Discovery Session with me
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CX & Backend Systems | Strategy With a Pulse
6moOhh I just booked my first massage in forever for next Tuesday - and now I will know my brain will also LOVE it 🥰
Real Estate Investing Made SIMPLE consultant helping agents and investors get started or scale a portfolio of winning cash flow properties | Consultant | Real Estate Broker
6moLove the sauna in my home...use it everyday!
Transforming Lives + Building Nest Eggs Via Aligned Home Design 📈| Lifestyle Revolutionizer🏆| 5⭐ Vacation Rental Owner, Innovator+Strategist⚡️| Designing Homes w/SOUL💙 | Swim Mom 🏊 Stroke Survivor 🧠Sunrise Chaser🌅
7moGenell Lemley there are so many benefits - including showing yourself that you are worth the attention, time and care!