Massage is very soothing and invigorating.  It also incorporates the therapeutic effects of touch.  If you are feeling down and blue, start your day with some exercise followed by a massage.  You can do some massage yourself or you can ask a friend to give you a massage.  OF COURSE, THE MASSAGE BY A LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST IS PREFERRED.

SELF MASSAGE FOR DEPRESSION:

1. Start with your head and work your way down to your toes.

2. Pour some massage oil onto your palms and using flat hands, rub it vigorously into your hair and scalp.

3. Use your fingertips to cover your head with small circular movements.

4. Gently massage your face and ears, and then your neck.

5. Knead your shoulders and vigorously massage your arms, with up-and-down motions.  Use circular movements on your elbows and knead your hands and fingers.

6. Massage your chest and stomach using large gently circular motions.  Massage your sides and back, if you can reach it without straining.

7. Use vigorous up-and down motions on your legs, with circular movements at your knees and ankles.

8. Massage your feet-tops and bottoms-and use your fingers to massage tour toes.

When you are done, take a warm shower and use mild soap to wash off the excess oil that has penetrated or remains on the surface of the skin conditions it and helps keep your body warm.