The word massage is synonymous with the meaning of leisure - days off, rest days, recuperation time, and time off to heal. These days, not everyone can get a massage. For many people, getting a massage isn't even an option. The cost is prohibitive. Or the location is remote or inconvenient. And for some people that are busy, even when they are home, finding a place to get a massage might be challenging.

What’s the Deal with Massages?

Massages are generally thought to be good for you. When you receive regular massage, it’s likely that it’s for therapeutic reasons. Not only will a massage help you feel better in the short term, it can also help your body break down toxins and improve your health. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) recommends that people with back pain or sciatica seek massage therapy. Tapping into this group of benefits will help you decide if massage is right for you.

Why It’s So Hard to Get a Massage

Getting a massage isn’t always easy. You might have to wait your turn or be turned away because of low demand or a full schedule. You might have to book a specific date and time. You might have to pay a fee. And depending on the type of massage you want, the location might be expensive.

To get a massage, you need to be able to relax enough to let go of your stress and anxiety. This might be hard to do during the week when you’re on the go and trying to do other things that require your full attention. If you have a hard time relaxing, or you’re finding that you’re more stressed out than you need to be, it may be that a massage is probably what you need.

Self Care - The Big Picture

When it comes to self-care, the options are endless. There are so many wonderful benefits to caring for yourself that it can feel like a daunting task. The problem is that many of us have bad habits when it comes to care for ourselves. We worry about what other people think, we focus on the negative parts of our past, and we try to do everything in a short amount of time.

That’s why it’s good to take a step back and look at the big picture. What are the long-term benefits of self-care? What are the short-term benefits? And how can you take advantage of all of these benefits to help improve your health and well-being?

Self Care Tips For Getting a Massage - And Other Pain-Free Ways to Relax

Stay hydrated - You need to stay hydrated whether you’re working out or doing chores. It’s not just for your body, though; you need to stay hydrated with your mental health as well. Avoid caffeine and alcohol because they will dehydrate you and make you feel jittery and tired.

Get enough sleep - Getting enough sleep is the key to feeling well and having the energy to take on the day. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, and try to get at least 7 hours if possible.

Pay attention to your diet - A healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables is good for you. However, a rich diet may lead to a lack of energy while dieting. It’s a good idea to mix it up every so often so that you’re not eating the same thing every day.

Get enough exercise - We all have the tendency to sit in front of the TV when we should be doing something active, whether that’s movement or getting a workout. Get moving, get enough sleep, and you’ll feel so much better in the long run.

Practice self-compassion - This seems so simple, but when you’re feeling down, you can’t help but feel small. Practice self-compassion, and remind yourself that you are a beautiful, unique, imperfect human being.

Conclusion

Getting a massage isn’t always easy, but it is possible and very rewarding. The process is similar for all types of massage, but there are some differences that are worth considering.

There are many reasons why getting a massage is so difficult, and these reasons can apply to any type of massage. Getting a massage isn’t just about pressure and technique; it’s also about intent, mindset and intentions. Explain your needs and desires ahead of time so that there aren’t any surprises during your session.

To book your massage with Trevor today, click here or text or cal 213.588.4242.