It's February and love is in the air.....as well as a bit of a chill! I'm trying to enjoy the cold temps and snowy days, knowing spring will be here in just a blink of an eye. B ut fo
r now, it's cold outside! 
 When my family isn't out s nowboardin g o r playing in the snow, we ar e hunkered down in the house, watching football and movies, doing some m uch needed reorganizing and decluttering and playing with our little bundle of energy!
Jada loves her new home and is having so much fun playing around in the snow with her boys! You've got to see  this link I found with more adorable puppies in the snow! 

Hope you're enjoying the snowy days and staying warm on these cold nights! And I hope you're all getting ready for the big game next week. GOOOOOO BRONCOS!!!   
Reason #2 Why You Need A Massage.... It Enhances Your Mood!
It's the heart of winter and that means the days are short and the sun is shining less. We're hanging around inside a cozy house, exercising less, and eating and sleeping more. Add in a little post holiday let down, topped off with some financial stress, and you may have a case of the winter blues. 
For millions of Americans, November to March doesn't just bring the urge to hibernate, it c an mark the return of considera ble stress and depressio n. For some, the winter blues can be far wor se than mild and temporary. Seasonal affective disorder, better known as SAD, is a form of clinical depression resulting in apathy, lethargy, loss of libido, a change in eating and sleeping habits, and sometimes even thoughts of death or suicide. SAD is thought to be brought on by the decrease in the quantity of light we receive during the winter months. These shorter and darker days affect our vitamin D levels, our biological clock/circadian rhythm, change our melatonin levels affecting our sleep rhythms, and cause a drop in the mood-enhancing brain chemical, serotonin.
Whether you're battling the winter doldrums or dealing with SAD, massage can help!
*Stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems which in turn helps in lowering heart rate and blood pressure, increasing immune system function, stimulating nerve endings, improving circulation, removing toxins, improving energy and concentration.
*It's easy therapy and requires very little work from the client. Just make the appointment, show up and be prepared to relax and rejuvenate.
*Releases endorphins, which creates a euphoric feeling, enhancing your mood and fighting depression.
*As we discussed last month, taking better care of yourself and your body will enhance your mood and general feeling of well being.

But don't just take my word for it. Here are a few articles I found to back me up....

And check out one of these articles for things you can do in addition to massage to help with your winter blues.
12 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
It's Seasonal Affective Disorder Season
Essential Oils for Depression

*When to see a doctor...
It's normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can't get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, it's important to see your doctor. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation. And for free, 24/7, confidential help, call 1-800-273-TALK. 
Announcement
 You still have time to book your holiday massage and enjoy either 15 minutes extra or $15 off your next massage. This gift is only good through March so call today to schedule your appointment!
Warm wishes for a happy heart and time with loved ones this month.
  

 
Bryn Rath
Tranquil Massage
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