The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) states that research has proven the effectiveness of therapeutic massage for stress relief. Residents could, therefore, take advantage of massage clinics in Snellville and Gwinnett GA to help them achieve a healthy work-life balance. In an article in the Fall 2009 online issue of Massage Envy Magazine, Amy Lynn Smith writes that studies have proven how massage therapy lowers blood pressure and the levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone and its decrease results in lowered stress levels. This, in turn, positively affects the emotional states of massage recipients.    Stress is a major issue among people these days. Smith quotes Susan Bartell, Psy. D. , a psychologist and author specializing in work-life balance and based in fast-paced New York as saying, “People are afraid of losing their jobs, or they’re feeling guilty because the guy who was with the company for 20 years just got laid off. They feel like they need to work harder to keep their jobs or make more money, but they still want to be there for their kid’s Little League game, too. ”Achieving work-life balance seems to be everyone’s goal, but it also seems to be an impossible goal. This is not so, argues Smith. One way of addressing it is by drawing boundaries, she says. Again, she quotes Dr. Bartell as saying, “When you’re at work, work—the more time you spend being distracted by gossip or personal e-mails, the later you’ll have to work. And when you’re home with your family, be fully focused on your family. Be present and in the moment wherever you are. Spending time with people you love fosters feelings of happiness and high self-worth. And don’t waste precious free time with people you don’t like. ”To further draw the line between work and home life, Dr. Bartell says you should turn off your PDA after office hours. This will enable you to focus fully on your family and yourself. Freeing up your time away from work may mean paying someone to do your chores. Smith cites psychologist Debra Condren, Ph. D. saying, “You might feel like you shouldn’t pay someone to do work you could do, but you might actually be losing money by doing the work yourself instead of hiring someone to do tasks like cleaning your house. ” She explains this further by saying that the amount you will pay someone to do those chores would be small when compared to what you can gain from spending time with your family and friends and having time for yourself. Smith suggests also doing something good for yourself in your free time. She recommends slowing down, taking a walk, stretching, having a cup of herb tea and getting a massage. Dr. Bartell agrees and adds having a healthy diet, getting a lot of sleep and doing relaxation exercises through the day. “It can be as simple as taking four or five really deep breaths every hour. Everyone can do that. Anything that can help relax you and make you feel like you’re nurturing yourself is beneficial. ”According to Smith, some massage techniques that have been found to be especially effective in relieving stress are Swedish massage therapy, hot stone massage therapy, cranial sacral therapy and reflexology. You may also opt for deep tissue massage therapy, sports massage therapy or pregnancy massage therapy if necessary, though. Your massage therapist will know what suits your condition best, especially in a reputable massage clinic. You may even want to stock up on massage gift cards to the same massage clinic in Snellville and Gwinnett GA to give away to your closest friends and loved ones. This will surely spread well-being in your circle.