Tackle the Tension During Holiday Prep: 4 Tips for Self Mini-Massage

Sometimes during holiday season it’s the bells of stress that are ringing – jing, jing, jingling. Life can be stressful in general, and  especially with the added tasks of holiday preparation, we need breaks throughout the day. But what if the break is not enough, and we need more tension relief? Physically. As in save my shoulder area, my lower back, or my feet – now, pleeease. That’s where the self mini-massage comes in handy (no pun intended), certainly throughout all the holiday preparations. Believe it or not, you don’t have to be an expert to help yourself out with a mini-massage every once in a while, so here are some tips for tackling the tension on your own.

DISCLAIMER:  If you are ill, experiencing pain (not just tension pain), or have a knot which does not get released, do not perform massage. Consult your health care provider for assessment.      

TIPS FOR SELF MINI-MASSAGES

1. Thumbs Up. Or thumbs in, as the case may be. Make your hand into a fist, and move your thumb around to get the feel for how it works on its own. Now play around with digging your thumb into the areas which feel tight.
2. Let Your Fingers Do the Talking. Or do the walking, as the case may be. Once you get the hang of using your thumb, add in fingers to get a more comprehensive effect. You can also do effleurage, which means lightly gliding your fingers over the affected area, before and after the deeper moves. Effleurage adds in a pleasant energy to enhance the massage effect.
3. Chin up. Or chin down, as the case may be. If you are giving someone else a mini massage, try using your chin, or even your elbow or heal. The effect can be even stronger than hands.
4. Lights Off. Or candlelight on, as the case may be. Create the mood: A darkened, warm room, with soft music, perhaps even juxtaposing the mini-massage with your special bath time. Go the full route and treat yourself.

A little massage can go a long way, any time of year, and the above massage techniques can help you to release muscle tensions throughout your body. Try them out now during holiday time – on yourself, on your partner, on other family members, and even friends. 

Interested in the full effect? Sky & Sea Spa offers Deep Sea, Hot Stone, Warm Bamboo Fusion, Sea of Tranquility, Shiatsu and Prenatal massages. Contact us to schedule, especially in time for a holiday gift  – whether for others, or yourself!