It is a fact we all need to relax. Stress-busting is a daily affair – but when it builds up beyond tolerable limits, it can truly get to you and get in the way of living life. One of the best ways (and the most enjoyable) is “massage therapy”.
Maybe you’re thinking – who has the time to run off to a spa every other day? A massage need not be a once-in-a-while treat, because you can do it yourself! It is not only easy, but you’ll also have the pleasure of enjoying several health benefits, right from the comfort of your own home.
A massage, apart from helping you relax, brings you the following health benefits:
- help reduce muscle pain
- improve circulation
- fight depression
- lower blood pressure
Use self-massage to help you unwind at the end of the day. Here are some techniques that will help you say good-bye to stress:
Begin with your shoulders
For most of us, it is the neck and shoulders that take on the max tension during the day – more so if you have a desk job. Stroke each shoulder with the opposite hand, from your neck to your elbow. Repeat this several times. Next, rub the back of your neck and the bottom of your skull in circles. Now – give yourself a bear hug to reduce the tension in your back – and then – rub your hands along your arms.
Pamper those feet
Now, to treat your feet, which work so hard all day. Thank them by giving them a good foot rub. with one hand on top of your foot and the other underneath, press and stroke from toe to ankle. Now rub and stretch each toe. With your thumb, rub the arch and ball of your foot in slow circles. Do the same for the other foot.
Helping hands
Got lotion? So let’s treat those hands of yours. Squirt some lotion on to your palms. Then stroke the back of your hand. Squeeze and stroke each finger. Rub your palm in circles using your thumb. Then rub the fleshy part at the base of your thumb.
To be continued tomorrow – with some easy to use tips to relax. Read Part II here
Cheers!
Vidya
4 comments
Pamper those feet! Yesterday I took a 5 mile walk in the wrong shoes! I didn’t realize I wore the wrong pair until I was half way. How’s that for unmindfullness;) I did pamper my feet because I had a few blisters. Ouch!
Aww! Tess! Your poor feet! I did that a couple of days ago – didn’t realize my shoe had a little hole through which my little toe kept peeking out, inviting sand in. Glad you pampered your feet! Salt water is supposed to be soothing! Thank you for coming by!
Massage is so powerful! When I was growing up, my mother took a massage class. She would come home and practice on my brother and me. It became our bedtime ritual (as well as time in front of the TV or whenever else mom wanted to practice) for her to give us a massage.
When I left home for college, I was a bit upset that I would have to seek out and (gasp!) pay for my massages. I learned the fine art of self massage to get by.
It’s so important to slow down and take a moment to take care of ourselves. If we don’t do it, nobody else will.
Hi Paige! You were so lucky to have your Mom practice on you with love! 🙂 Getting a massage is quite expensive. Because of this, I too learned little ways to massage specific parts of the body and it helps greatly – often others more than me. 🙂 It is such a fabulous stress reliever and a great way to relax.
In our culture we have the regular ritual of an “oil bath” at least once a week – a great practice that keeps us healthy in many ways!
Thank you for sharing your view! I miss my Mom – she gave a wonderful head massage! I always believed my hair was silkier when she massaged it!