It’s early 2026 and Seattle’s tech world is shedding jobs. Layoffs at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and T-Mobile have left a lot of people feeling anxious about what’s next. Whether you have been directly impacted or it’s your friends or family members, change and uncertainty naturally bring anxiety—simply because we’re human.
Stress and anxiety aren’t just “in your head.” When you’re worried, your body fills with hormones like cortisol and adrenaline—the same chemicals that once helped our ancestors run from danger. For short bursts, they’re useful. But when they stick around too long, they wear down your heart, your arteries, your organs. Over a prolonged period, stress wears down your adrenal glands, leaving you tired, unmotivated, and frustrated that you can’t seem to “snap out of it.”
If stress lasts for weeks or months, it also weakens your immune system, making you more likely to get sick precisely when you need to be your most resilient.
Why Self‑Care Matters
Self care is not about pampering yourself—it’s about protecting your health. Taking care of your body keeps those stress hormones in check so you can think clearly and feel grounded again.
Even small habits—stretching each morning, going for walks, getting enough sleep—remind your body it’s safe to relax. That calm helps rebuild your confidence and focus.
Massage is About Much More Than Relaxation
Massage therapy does more than make you feel good for a few hours. By activating your parasympathetic (rest and digest) system, It helps lower cortisol, improves blood flow, and tells your body to turn off the constant “fight‑or‑flight” mode. Regular sessions give your nervous system a chance to reset, your muscles time to release tension, and your mind space to breathe.
Think of massage as stress protection. It supports your adrenals, boosts your immune system, and gives you the energy to show up fully for whatever comes next—interviews, projects, new opportunities, or just life itself.
Keep What Grounds You
When everything changes, it’s easy to drop the routines that used to give your life structure. But those little habits—the morning coffee ritual, a weekend walk, or a monthly massage—are the anchors. They keep you steady while everything else shifts.
Simple Strategies to Counter Stress
- Do a few deep breaths when you wake up to calm your body before the day begins.
- Set aside time to move—stretch, walk, or dance a little.
- Schedule a series of massage visits as a form of preventative health practice.
- Let yourself rest without feeling guilty—your body will get the message that you are practicing self care.
Looking Ahead
Change (and events like layoffs) are tough, and no one handles them perfectly. Even for the majority that retain employment, there may be stress from changed or increased job responsibilities. By taking care of your body and mind now, you set yourself up to bounce back stronger. In summary, massage and other self‑care practices don’t just ease a busy mind—by mitigating stress, they help you stay healthy, focused, and ready for new beginnings.
Your body carries you through every challenge; thank your body by taking care of it. Book an appointment here.