Lorri is co-founder of Soltreks, a company committed to helping individuals and groups find meaning in their world through interaction with nature. Visit their site at www.soltreks.com.
Donna: Last week Lorri wrote about workplace health and power breathing. I tried her suggestions and they worked. I am much more relaxed. This week she continues with a discussion about the relaxing impact of massages. Personally, I’ve never had a full-body massage. I’m very shy and extremely ticklish. Plus, I feel a need to talk a lot and tell bad jokes when things are quiet. Don’t ever get on an elevator with me unless you’re ready to be embarrassed. Lorri, as always, has great tips below that will make a positive difference in your life!
Lorri: Many of us carry tension and stress in our neck and shoulders. If you’re not sure if this is where your stress might be, try scanning your body by doing the following –
- Close your eyes and relax.
- Start with your feet, and move up through your legs and stomach.
- Notice where any tension might be. If the area feels numb, then touch or move it.
- Move up the chest and down the arms. Again, note for feelings of tension.
- Now move back up the arms, through the throat to the back of the neck, and up through the head.
- Finally, move from the top of the head to the face and jaw.
Where was your tension? Once you have located it, try one of the massages below.
Self-Massage – Neck
- Take your right hand, cross it over your chest to your left shoulder
- With your finger tips, gently kneed the muscle between you neck and shoulder
- Repeat with the other hand and shoulder
Self-Massage – Tension and/or Sinus Headache
- Gently place your thumbs on each side of the bridge of your nose
- Apply light pressure
- Trace your eyebrows with gentle pressure
Self-Massage – Hands
- Give your fingers and hands a break with a gentle massage
- Use an aromatic lotion (e.g. lavender, peppermint)
- Be sure to balance yourself by massaging both hands
The hand massage will increase the blood flow to the area while providing relaxation. The lotion will make your office smell nice.
If you have the chance, there’s always the option of a professional massage during your lunch break or at the end of your day!