The next time you’re feeling tired, deprived of energy and in desperate need of a massage, you can tell your apathetic partner it’s for the good of their health.
New research from Northumbria University has found that getting a massage from your partner is not only beneficial for you, but for them too. The study shows that when couples massage one another regularly, stress levels drop and coping with perceived stress improves, therefore boosting our overall health.
The research involved 38 participants who took part in a three-week massage course with their partners. To begin, they were asked to complete a questionnaire relating to their physical and mental wellbeing, perceived stress levels, coping and relationship satisfaction.
The results positively impacted each of the variables measured, and it was found after three weeks of not having massage sessions, none of the effects decreased significantly. Stress became easier to manage and best of all, it improved relationship satisfaction and the partners’ affection towards one another.
Many of us are familiar with the calm and tranquil feeling that comes after a professional massage but this study suggests we can reap some of these benefits all by ourselves. We need not even apply any skilled moves to achieve the health perks.
According to the British Psychological Society, lead researcher Sayuri Naruse said,
“Our data also suggests that these positive effects of a short massage course may be long lasting, as is reflected in 74 per cent of the sample continuing to use massage after the course had finished.”
“Massage is a cost effective and pleasant intervention that isn’t just for a therapeutic setting but can be easily incorporated into a healthy couple’s daily routine.”
There you have it, incorporate massage into your routine and set a positive tone for than just your week!
