Between massages: 5 tricks to relieve tension at home (without turning into a human knot)
We know that nothing compares to a good massage session: soft music, aromas that embrace your soul and magical hands that undo knots as if they were plasticine. But what do you do while you're waiting for your next appointment with your favourite masseuse (👋 hi, it's me 😌)?
Here are 5 homemade tips to survive (and even enjoy) between sessions, without your body declaring war on you:
1. Breathe... but for real.
Yes, I know you breathe all day long, but I mean conscious breathing. Stop for a few minutes, close your eyes and take slow breaths through your nose. Feel your abdomen inflate. Then exhale through your mouth, gently, like blowing out a candle without blowing it out. Do this 5 times. I assure you that your nervous system will silently applaud you.
2. Stretch like a cat
You don't need to become a guru-level yogi. Just stand up, stretch towards the ceiling, rotate your torso, release your neck in slow movements. Think about stretching more and pushing yourself less. Your back will thank you with less grunting.
3. Magic ball or rebel bottle
If you have a tennis ball, use it to massage your shoulders or feet against the wall or floor. No ball? A frozen water bottle works too. Just don't throw it if you don't see results in the first minute 😅.
4. Express self-massage
Apply some oil or cream (whichever you like best), and do a mini massage on your shoulders, neck, legs or wherever you feel tension. Use circular movements and moderate pressure. It's not the same as coming with me, of course, but self-care counts too.
5. Ambience your space
A scented candle, some quiet music (lo-fi or nature sounds) and dimming the lights can help you get into "home spa mode". Sometimes it's not the body that's tense... it's the atmosphere.
Bonus: Schedule your next session 😉 😉.
Sometimes just knowing that you already have an appointment to let it ALL out (naughty minds, I'm talking about tensions) the body starts to relax. So reserve your moment, and in the meantime, take care of yourself with these little tricks.
Your body is wise, but it also needs pampering.
And here I am, ready to give you back your peace, one massage at a time.
And here I am, ready to give you back your peace, one massage at a time.
Tips for taking care of your body after a massage
Give your body the happy ending it deserves (and we're not talking about that kind of ending!).
After getting a good massage - the kind that leaves you floating with a goofy smile - it's easy to think that the job is done. But in reality, post-massage care is just as important as the massage itself. Here are some tips to help you prolong the benefits, avoid discomfort and keep your energy in balance.
1. Hydrate as if you had just run a zen marathon
During the massage, circulation is activated and toxins are mobilised. Drinking water helps to flush them out of the body naturally and avoid that ‘muscle hangover’ feeling. You don't need a litre in one gulp, but do keep well hydrated for the next few hours.
During the massage, circulation is activated and toxins are mobilised. Drinking water helps to flush them out of the body naturally and avoid that ‘muscle hangover’ feeling. You don't need a litre in one gulp, but do keep well hydrated for the next few hours.
2. Avoid coffee, alcohol and the enemies of rest
A little wine may sound tempting, but right after your massage is not a good idea. These substances can counteract the relaxing effect of the massage and upset the balance of your nervous system. Treat yourself to a few hours of calm before getting back to the routine with your favourite vices.
A little wine may sound tempting, but right after your massage is not a good idea. These substances can counteract the relaxing effect of the massage and upset the balance of your nervous system. Treat yourself to a few hours of calm before getting back to the routine with your favourite vices.
3. Take your time to reset
Don't rush off to a meeting or a high-impact workout. Give yourself at least an hour or two of quiet time for your body and mind to assimilate the treatment. Ideally, do nothing... and do it in style.
Don't rush off to a meeting or a high-impact workout. Give yourself at least an hour or two of quiet time for your body and mind to assimilate the treatment. Ideally, do nothing... and do it in style.
4. Listen to your body (yes, that inner whisper we tend to ignore)
If you feel you need more rest, give it to it. If you feel a little pain in some areas, it's normal (especially after decontracting or sports massages). A warm bath or a hot compress can help relieve residual tension.
If you feel you need more rest, give it to it. If you feel a little pain in some areas, it's normal (especially after decontracting or sports massages). A warm bath or a hot compress can help relieve residual tension.
5. Eat with intention
Eat light, healthy and consciously. Fruits, vegetables, light soups or smoothies can be your best allies. Avoid heavy meals that overload the digestive system when the body is in repair mode.
Eat light, healthy and consciously. Fruits, vegetables, light soups or smoothies can be your best allies. Avoid heavy meals that overload the digestive system when the body is in repair mode.
6. Breathe deeply and prolong the zen state
After the massage, your nervous system is in ‘parasympathetic mode’, which in English means: you are closer to nirvana than to the office. Take advantage of this state to meditate, walk slowly or simply do nothing. Seriously, your body will thank you for it.
After the massage, your nervous system is in ‘parasympathetic mode’, which in English means: you are closer to nirvana than to the office. Take advantage of this state to meditate, walk slowly or simply do nothing. Seriously, your body will thank you for it.
In short: massage is just the beginning. The real art is in how you extend its benefits. Treat your body as if it were a temple... one that you've just given a deep cleansing. Take care of it, listen to it and respect it.
Do you know when your next session will be?
Do you know when your next session will be?