Try to find a person who doesn't enjoy a massage to relax. You'd be hard-pressed. Of all the stress-relieving techniques out there, massage is my absolute favorite.

Certainly, massage relieves muscle pain and soreness, but it appears to be most popular for stress relief. It's effectiveness is largely due to the fact that manipulating the muscles releases endorphins, the brain's natural opiates, which encourages a feeling of well being and confidence. Studies show massage can be helpful for various ailments. But when looking at the list, one can't help but notice many of the benefits involve the mind more than the body. Consider the following from a Mayo Clinic article:

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Not only should you dish out hugs and kisses on Valentine's Day. You should dish them out every day, because these natural signs of affection -- holding hands counts too -- can really do a body good.

The reason most of us reach for a hand, cuddle our loved ones, and smooch sweet little babies is because it feels good. I guess that's because it is good.

Researchers are now looking deep into the brain to explore how these loving practices help the heart, boost the immune system, and lower blood pressure. What they're finding is that human touch triggers a cascade of events inside the body, reprogramming heart rate, blood pressure, and certain mood-altering brain chemicals. Consider this:

• Couples in one study who held hands for several minutes and then hugged for 20 seconds experienced an immediate drop in blood pressure and heart rate. Couples with no close contact had no such benefits.

• A Japanese researcher found that when men and women with chronic skin allergies or hay fever spent 30 minutes kissing their partners, blood levels of immunoglobulin E, a compound that triggers allergic reactions, plummeted. Those who spent time cuddling, but not kissing, did not reap the same reward.

• When deep in stress, women who hold hands with their husbands gain quick relief.
  
  

The point of this post: To urge you to not just celebrate Valentine's Day tomorrow but to celebrate it all year long. You might be a happier, healthier person if you do.

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Tattoos are an artistic expression of individuality, style, and art, and have (until now) only been appreciated by those with the gift of sight. But now, through the efforts of a student at The University of Arts Berlin, you can also make a statement that can be felt and appreciated by the blind.

By having a series of small beads or a small plate embossed with text (made of stainless steel, titanium, or plastic) implanted under the skin you can have an expressive work of art that can be appreciated through both sight and touch. It's braille for your skin!

Would you do it? I'm thinking with color maybe, without it just looks an organized group of zits.




Via Trendhunter

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Life is too short not to be fully "tuned in." The Daily Turn On! is designed to wake up your senses, all six of them: smell, taste, touch, hearing, sight and intuition! Everyday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will awaken your mind, your body and your life!

Did you know ... The act of touching and being touched can boost your immune system. The more touches, hugs, kisses, massages, handshakes, pats on the back, etc., you give and receive will make you healthier and happier.

A woman's skin is more sensitive than a man's, and yet women need more touch. Women typically experience a higher level of stress but lower levels of the chemicals necessary to balance stress. A quick hug is a quick and easy way to reduce stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed, don't wait for someone to hug you -- go after it yourself and hug someone. You will feel better immediately!

Try it out ... Hug a friend, a family member or even a colleague. Pat a friend on the hand or shoulder when speaking. Kiss a cheek when greeting. Give hello and good-bye hugs. When hugging children, let them let go of you first!

Observe your emotions ... Are you happy? Do you feel alive and awake? More positive? Less stressed? Share your experiences with us. More hugs in this world and more people talking about them can only be a good thing!

Turn On your senses ... Live a Fit Life!

Life is too short not to be fully "tuned in." The Daily Turn On! is designed to wake up your senses, all six of them: smell, taste, touch, hearing, sight and intuition! Everyday The Daily Turn On! with That's Fit Life Fit expert Laura Lewis will awaken your mind, your body and your life!

Did you know ... Touch is one of the most effective pain relievers. Touch triggers the release of the brain's endogenous, analgesic endorphins that are more powerful than any drug.

The power of touch far exceeds its power over pain. Touches communicates to the very core of the soul. A hug releases stress, creates a sense of security and partnership. A hug or a held hand communicates partnership which provides confidence and strength. Touch communicates love, friendship, kindness and calmness.

Try it out ... Get in the habit of touch. Massage your pet, your partner, your friends and even yourself. Don't talk just touch, and notice the level of communication you experience with that person.

Observe the experience ... Do you feel more connected? Is there a kinder sense of reciprocity? A deeper level of love. Share your ideas and experiences!

Awaken your sense and touch a soul.

Turn On your senses ... live a fit life!