Stephanie Wood, LMT

👐 RELAX
Massage can create intentional time to slow down and unwind.

💆 EASE MUSCLE TENSION
Massage works with soft tissues and may help temporarily relieve feelings of muscle tightness and tension.

🧠 RECONNECT WITH YOUR BODY
A massage gives you an opportunity to notice areas where you are holding tension and become more aware of how your body feels.

🌿 MAKE SPACE FOR REST
Sometimes taking care of yourself means intentionally stepping away from the demands of everyday life.

If you could magically make ONE area of your body feel completely relaxed right now, what would it be?

Neck?

Shoulders?

Low back?

Feet?

Jaw?

I’m guessing shoulders are going to be pretty popular.

Things you are absolutely allowed to tell your massage therapist:

“Can you use more pressure?”

“That’s a little too much pressure.”

“Can we spend more time on my shoulders?”

“Can we skip that area?”

“I’m cold.”

“I’m not comfortable in this position.”

“I’d rather not talk today.”

Seriously.

Communication makes a massage better.

You don’t have to be the “perfect” client.

What is your favorite way to give your nervous system a break?

Massage myth: More pressure = better massage.

Not necessarily!

The “right” pressure is different for every person and can even be different from one area of your body to another.

A massage can be effective without being painful.

In fact, if you’re spending the entire massage thinking, “I am definitely going to regret this tomorrow,” it might be time to say something.

Your massage therapist would much rather adjust the pressure than have you quietly suffer.

Why does massage feel so good? 💆‍♀️

There’s actually more going on than simply “someone rubbing your back.”

Massage involves touch, pressure, movement, and sensory input that your nervous system is constantly processing.

For many people, that combination can create a feeling of relaxation and help them become more aware of areas where they are holding tension.

And honestly, sometimes there is also just something really nice about having an hour where nobody needs anything from you. 😂

Try the Box Breathing exercise 👇🏼

Inhale: breathe in slowly through your nose as you count to four.

Hold: hold your breath for a count of four.

Exhale: breathe out your nose slowly for another count of four.

Hold: pause and hold on empty for a count of four.

Repeat: repeat this sequence a few times until you feel centered.

The wellness advice nobody want to hear because it’s boring:

Sleep, walking, eating real food, strengthening your body, getting outside, having people you can laugh with, and taking time off all matter more than any wellness product you can buy.

We have made wellness so complicated that sometimes we forget that the basics were never supposed to be exciting.

You probably don’t need a more complicated routine. You might just need to make your current one more realistic.

Drink some water
Get outside
Eat a good meal
Move your body
Get enough sleep
Take a break
Call someone you love

Wellness doesn’t have to mean a line of supplements, another product or perfectly following a routine.

It’s more about balance and the simple things.

Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do, is go back to the basics.

Treat yourself like someone you love 💕

Speak kindly to yourself
Give yourself rest
Feed your body well
Be patient with yourself
Ask for help when you need it

You deserve the same kindness you give everyone else ❤️