How do I relax?

1. Disconnect – Try to avoid looking at social media, as it clutters the mind with comparative thoughts. People often only post the best parts of their lives, which makes it easy for us to focus on everything that’s going wrong with our own. Limiting your consumption helps you focus on your own life and experiences, allowing you to self evaluate and assign meaning.                                                                                                                 
2.  Limit Stimulants – I drink more coffee than most, so I understand the need for coffee or tea to get you going, but understand it’s impact on your nervous system. Stimulants, like caffeine or nicotine, can cause the mind to race and hinder one’s ability to experience calm. This is a result of how our bodies process these chemicals, which move us from a relaxed state to a more “fight or flight” state.

During –

1. Let Loose – When a client gets on the table, their goal should be to let their whole body relax. It is important that you trust your therapist to protect your safety, modesty, and well being throughout the massage. There are many different approaches to massage, and some require the LMT to move the client’s body to achieve better results. The therapist may maneuver a limb to better reach a source of tension, or to engage the nervous system to assist in relaxation. We are trained to provide support for your joints, and to only make meaningful movements, so as to allow you to relax.                                                                                                                                                          
2. Talking – A brief preface here. The goal of every massage therapist, first and foremost, should be the clients comfort. Clients control the session details, and should always let their therapist know if anything makes them feel uncomfortable. This extends to, but is not limited to – clothing worn, areas to be massaged, and pressure. A good therapist can provide a relaxing massage over a clients garments, work specific areas thoroughly, and deliver varying pressures preferences.NEVER hesitate to speak up!  Therapists are often trained to disengage conversations, but some clients find talking to be helpful for their relaxation. It is important to understand that  a massage is most beneficial when both the client, and the therapist are listening to the body’s response to the techniques. Additionally, conversations can uncover disagreements, it is best to avoid contention so that both parties can focus on relieving tension.

After –

1. Keep Calm – Clients often report a feeling of elation and revitalization after a massage with me, and it’s important to keep that feeling going. Taking a walk in nature, drinking lots of water, and reflecting on the beauty in our lives helps ground us and reveals what’s important. Gaining awareness of our body’s potential is one of the greatest gifts, and massage helps unite our body-mind connection.
   
2. A Good Night’s Sleep – Massage has been proven to help clients be more restful, some even sleep during the massage, so aim to embrace your achieved relaxation. It is helpful to follow some of the aforementioned steps, but also drinking a relaxing tea, or doing some light stretches can increase the effects of your experience. As the body achieves a resting state, the muscles are disengaged and begin the restorative processes initiated by the massage.

Massage is a means to relaxation and relief, but it takes both parties working together to achieve the desired results. Understanding your nervous system, and how it impacts your mind-body connection, will help you do more than just receive a stellar massage. It is something that, once tuned into, should reverberate into other aspects of your life!