It never fails, at least once a day, a client will ask me if they actually have to leave the studio. A massage is like an hour vacation and they are enjoying their escape, not quite ready to go back to reality again. We laugh and joke and ultimately how long the effects of their massage depends on a multitude of factors. If I learned anything from Anatomy and physiology in school, its that the human body is AMAZING! Really it is, and each of us is a little bit different. Some of us are a bit sore after a session, some of us feel great for a few days, or even a few weeks! There are however some things that you can do to help keep that Feel Great, stress free feeling a little longer!
Water: Yes, I know you have heard it before, but drinking lots of water will help those muscles we just worked on stay hydrated and healthy. As fresh blood flow and oxygen reach tight or knotted muscles, a hydrated muscle typically wont be as sore the next day.
Plan ahead, make sure that you don't have to rush home or to an appointment after your massage session. An easy drive will help to limit the stress hormones that flood our system! Making sure that you have some time afterwards to journal or reflect on how your feeling can help you connect even deeper with your body and reap the benefits of your massage.
Stay away from social media, confrontations, bills, even suspenseful and scary movies. We have just spent the last 60 to 90 minutes trying to get you into your parasympathetic nervous system(REST AND DIGEST) and as innocent as these activities might seem, they can be surefire way to reverse this and activate your Sympathetic nervous system(Fight or flight)
Watch a comedy instead! Laugh! Do gentle things that make you smile
Turn off all your screens, TV. Laptop, Cellphone. Try just relaxing the old fashioned way
Self-care is a lifestyle and a commitment yet the benefits can be deep and life changing! Booking regular sessions, listening to your therapists suggestions about stretches and after care along with the tips listed above is a great start!
Please post your thoughts, tips, and any questions in the comments below, we would love to hear from you!