News: December 2020

8 steps to a happier holiday season!

Holiday time comes with its share of anxiety. Add to that the pandemic and the next few weeks could be looking pretty darn grim. But they don't have to be. We can take steps now to make this holiday season not so awful and, I dare say, maybe even a little enjoyable.

Traveling and group gatherings are unsafe, and I hope you all plan to remain home during the holidays. I know that could be a bummer (or perhaps a relief, depending on what you think of your family), and you may be feeling isolated.

The best way to ward off stress or depression is by trying to avoid it in the first place. It may not feel like it, but there's a lot you can do to help yourself during this time.

1) Get massage! Massage therapy has been shown time and again to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. In my practice, I repeatedly see significant mood shifts in my clients from the time they walk in, to the time they leave. Plus, massage feels amazing!

2) Reach out to family and friends. If you're feeling lonely or isolated, why not Zoom with some family members or FaceTime with a friend? You can also seek out an online support group. I meet biweekly with a parent group, and it really helps me feel connected.

3) Limit the amount of time you spend watching the news or social media. We are bombarded with information every day - some true, some not - but most negative and worrisome. If you find yourself stressing, perhaps designate a small amount of time each day to check the news or your favorite social media site. Better yet, take a break from all of it for a few days!

4) Eat healthily. Try not to go overboard on holiday treats. Being properly nourished benefits your mental state as well as your body.

5) Get enough sleep. I cannot overemphasize the importance of sleep. Find out about the consequences of sleep deprivation and learn a soothing meditation and self-massage to help you drift away to dreamland.

6) Get physical activity into your daily schedule. Exercise reduces stress, increases energy, and boosts your mood. Choose activities you enjoy!

7) Relax your body and mind with deep breathing exercises, self-massage, yoga, mindfulness meditation, a hot bath, or even a leisurely stroll in the fresh air. For a whole lot of guided self-massages, meditations, stretches, and breathing practices, visit my YouTube channel.

8) Practice gratitude. This can be particularly challenging, especially if you've suffered losses during this pandemic. But finding things - even small things - to be grateful for has powerful mental and emotional benefits. Click here for a wonderful gratitude self-massage!

Take these steps now to ensure that your holidays are as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Wishing you all safe, happy holidays!

Source: Mayo Clinic

Massage gift cards = Holiday shopping done!

You know that friend/family member/colleague who you've been thinking really needs a massage? Why not give them a not-so-subtle hint with a massage gift card? The holidays are a stressful time for most - especially this year. Therapeutic massage is not only a wonderful way to melt your stress away this winter, but it also makes an exceptional holiday gift!

Massage therapy offers countless health benefits, including:

• Stress reduction
• Pain relief
• Mood uplift
• Increased energy
• Improved mobility/flexibility
• Relaxation of tight muscles
• Better postural alignment
• More restful sleep
• Learning self-care techniques
• Improved quality of life
• It's the perfect start to a healthier new year.
• You don't need to leave your home to get a gift card.
• You can instantly and easily cross holiday shopping off your list!
• Your loved ones will be surprised and delighted by such a thoughtful gift!

Make the holidays stress-free for you and the people you care about with the gift of massage. Call e-mail, or text me for your beautifully designed gifts cards, and choose whether you'd like them mailed or e-mailed. Just like that, holiday shopping is done! And don't forget to book a session for yourself too. :)

What's new with me ...

It was strange and disappointing not to go to N.J. to visit family for Thanksgiving. But we had two family Zoom Thanksgiving celebrations! I have never been so grateful for the internet as during this pandemic.

We had a few weeks of remote learning with Sienna. It was challenging, I'm not gonna lie. But Sienna really surprised us. She showed up for (most of) her Zoom classes, she participated (some of the time), and she did (most) of her work! I am so proud of her being brave and making a huge effort.