Do:
- drink water
- rest
- have a snack
- take a hot bath or shower
Don’t:
- workout
- go back to work
- listen to/ watch the news
You’ve just had a massage. Hooray! Great job taking care of YOU!
What now?
After receiving bodywork, you will feel relaxed, maybe even a little out of it. Now is not the time to give a big presentation at work, or dig deep into what’s going on in Ukraine.
Cool it with the caffeine and anything that feels jarring, stressful, or loud. Instead, space out! Literally create space in your schedule for rest. Put on relaxing music, read, sit outside and stare at the trees.
Why drink water?
With my clients’ sessions my goal is moving energy. We want a crystal-clear stream rather than a murky green swamp. Water helps keep things moving, keeping you hydrated.
Why rest?
Time is our most precious asset, and we so rarely take time for ourselves. Why not extend this luxurious moment into the next day (or at least the next hour) by chilling out for a minute.
Why eat?
While I do my best to help ground my clients at the end of their session, often holding their feet, or giving them time to settle back into the room, you may still feel a little loopy after your session. Eating a healthy snack, say a handful of nuts and a piece of fruit, or cheese and turkey slices, can help regulate your energy.
Why bathe?
I’m a huge fan of Epsom salt baths! Warm water helps relax your muscles and calm your nervous system.
Why not workout?
Yoga, stretching, going for a walk, these are all encouraged after your massage. A heavy strength session, hours long bike ride, anything intense is not recommended. Years ago I had a client who was a high level golfer. He came in for his massage then immediately hit the links. He later told me it was one of his worst games. He goes by feel and because there was less tension in his muscles, his swing was off and his game suffered. When lifting weights, you need power, strength and tension. Massage encourages your muscles to loosen and relax. Wait 24-48 hours after your massage for an intense workout.
What’s wrong with going back to work?
If your job is high stress, requires you to complete complex tasks or communicate effectively, best to schedule your massage for after work. Let your brain turn off and rest. You may be surprised to find when you do this, solutions to complex problems pop into your brain without you having to stress about them.
No news
I know we all like to be informed, but now is not the time to learn about the latest war, natural disaster, or other bad news. Keep in mind the news is meant to shock you so that you will keep watching. You’re not being sold puppies being adopted at the shelter, or people making lunches for schoolchildren. If you want to watch cat videos go for it, but please for the love of Bob Ross, do not turn on the news!
I’m Anne McCranie, a Vancouver Washington based Personal Trainer and Licensed Massage Therapist.
To schedule with me please email or text me
Anne@FluidPortland.com
(503) 705-4762