Stressed-Out Women Want Massage

American women are more stressed out than ever—and a third of them think that massage is one of the most effective ways to relieve their stress.

In a new national survey, 57 percent of women surveyed report they have experienced a significant increase in stress over the past five years. Almost all women surveyed (91 percent) indicate that if they could find 10 minutes of free time daily to alleviate stress, it would improve the rest of their day. One-third say that one of their most effective ways to relieve stress is by receiving a lotion or oil massage.

While stress impacts women in many ways, 65 percent report they experience tight muscles when stressed. Furthermore, 51 percent of women say stress prevents them from looking their best and 24 percent experience dry, itchy skin as a result of stress.

When citing the reasons behind their stress, women overwhelmingly point to life occurrences, such as buying their first homes (31 percent) and annual tax deadlines (20 percent), as being most stressful. The survey was conducted by Caravan Opinion Research Corporation for Johnson & Johnson skin-care-product manufacturer.