You can get more out of your massage if you participate in managing your stress

in between sessions. Here are some things to try.

• Set aside time to talk to your family and friends about your concerns.

• Practice focused relaxation. Sit comfortably, noticing where you feel

discomfort. Breathe slowly into these areas.

• Make a list of people and things you are grateful for.

• Set boundaries at work and home.

• Meditate. Take a class or try out a group.

• Bike, jog ... or just take a 10 minute walk!

• Dance! Take a ballroom dancing class or just twirl around your living room.

• Massage your aching neck or back.

• Stretch. Ask your massage therapist for some suggestions.

• Take a yoga or tai chi class.

• Have a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea.

• Practice deep, full body breathing if you can’t sleep.

• If possible, take action to change situations that are troubling you.

• Relieve yourself of responsibilities that don’t feel right any longer.

• Try new things, like a new, nutritious and tasty food.

• Assign yourself a time to “fret”—then move on to your day-to-day activities.

• If you feel that stress threatens to overwhelm you, seek a professional

counselor.

• Take a hot bath. Add several drops of essential oils like lavender or ylangylang

for relaxation.

• Try biofeedback.

• Take a painting, writing, or photography class.

• Play racquetball or tennis.

• Take a nap, even if it’s only for ten minutes.

• Take your breaks at work. Get outside or do simple stretches for 10 minutes.

• Laugh. Watch comedies and read humorous books.

• Try autosuggestion. Frequently repeat a suggestion to yourself such as “Head

• Take a warm shower, stretching your neck and shoulders slowly in the heat.

• Brush your hair. Brush from each temple to the base of skull, then down the

center of your head.

• Take a weekend, or even a morning, away from obligations and worries.

• Express your creativity. Write down your memories or grow flowers.

• Try abdominal breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose. Exhale completely,

squeezing the belly tight. Begin by practicing for 5 minutes at a time.

• Soak your feet. Add Epsom salts to a bath or basin of warm water and enjoy!

• Honor a time and space for your own relaxation. Regular massage is a great

way to develop this nurturing habit.