The Science of Self-Care: Stress, Massage Therapy & Nervous System Healing

Self-care is often framed as indulgent. In reality, it is physiological. In this episode, Amanda Jones sits down with Gloria Hargrave, Licensed Massage Therapist, to discuss how chronic stress, muscle tension, and nervous system overload impact physical and emotional health. You’ll learn: • How chronic stress dysregulates the nervous system • The connection between muscle tension and emotional strain • Why massage therapy supports parasympathetic activation • How burnout affects hormones, sleep, and recovery • Practical ways to incorporate sustainable self-care • Why rest is a biological requirement, not a reward This conversation reframes self-care as a survival strategy in a high-stress culture. If you struggle with chronic tension, stress overload, or burnout, this episode explains how body-based therapies can support nervous system regulation and long-term resilience.