Getting a massage is a fantastic way to relax. After a long and tiring day or week at work, there’s nothing like a high-quality massage to help you relax and unwind.
While a massage can work wonders, pairing it with other relaxing activities can greatly maximize your relaxation time. Additional relaxing activities that complement your massage can take your relaxation game to a whole new level.
Let’s explore ten relaxing activities that pair well with a massage and can help you achieve maximum relaxation.
Nature walk
A peaceful walk in nature is a great way to clear your mind and reconnect with your surroundings. Taking a walk before or after your massage can help promote mindfulness. It can help you process your thoughts without having certain distractors around, like your computer or television.
Since it’s not recommended to engage in strenuous exercise after a massage, a nature walk can also be a great way to engage in light and mild exercise. One of the many benefits of light exercise is its release of endorphins, which can help you relax.
Listen to calming music
Calming music can help you relax before, after, or even during a massage. Calming music allows your mind to relax and become more aware of the body’s sensations. It can also be an effective way to reduce anxiety and tension.
It’s best to choose music that promotes relaxation, such as classical music or nature sounds. You could even listen to acoustic versions of some of your favorite songs to help you relax.
Meditate
Meditation is a powerful way to relieve stress and practice mindfulness. If you meditate after your massage, you can help stay in a relaxed state.
Start by finding a quiet place to sit or lie down for meditation. Focus on your breathing and clear your mind of all thoughts. This will help you stay in the present moment.
Read a book
Reading a book can be another great way to relax after a massage. Reading can be a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus, forgetting yourself in an exciting story can be the perfect way to unwind after a massage.
You should choose fiction or non-fiction books that are enjoyable for you, as reading something that isn’t exciting won’t help you relax. Choosing a calming and soothing book, like a book of nature poems or something related to mindfulness, can also help.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a great way to help your mind and body relax. Certain scents can trigger relaxation and reduce stress levels.
You can take advantage of aromatherapy during or after your massage. For example, you could use essential oils like lavender or jasmine, which are known for their calming effects during your massage. You could also light some aromatic candles or use a diffuser to fill your space with calming scents after your massage.
Drink tea or water
A cup of tea is a great way to unwind after your massage. Herbal teas are especially beneficial as they contain calming and nourishing herbs like chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and passionflower. These herbs can help relax the body and soothe the mind.
Having a glass of water after a massage can also help the body recover from any strain it may have experienced during the session. Massages can dehydrate you, and it’s important to drink plenty of water after your massage.
Yoga or stretching
Yoga and stretching can be helpful for relaxation after a massage session. Gentle stretches, such as the cobra pose and forward fold, can help you relax your body and mind. These simple poses will help loosen up any tight areas of your body that may have been affected during the massage.
You could also try some simple yoga poses like the child’s pose or the bridge to relax your body further. Doing some breathing exercises can also help with relaxation and mindfulness.
Journaling
Journaling is a great way to look back upon your day and reflect on your thoughts. It can also be a great way to reflect on your massage session and process any thoughts, feelings, or emotions you may have had during it.
You don’t have to write a lot in your journal; even a few sentences or a few words are enough for this activity. Letting out all of the feelings can be therapeutic and help you relax.
Art
Engaging with art can be an incredibly calming activity that pairs well with a massage. Art allows you to express yourself creatively and express your emotions. Plus, the focus on colors and shapes can help distract your mind from everyday thoughts and worries. ‘
It doesn’t matter what your skill level or activity you do as long as it’s something creative. Some common art activities include drawing, painting, calligraphy, and pottery.
Deep breathing
Deep breathing is an effective way to reduce stress and relax your body and mind. Taking deep breaths helps to oxygenate the blood, which can help relax the muscles and calm your mind.
You could try doing some deep exercises before or after a massage session. It’s best to focus on slow, steady breaths that come from the belly instead of shallow breaths that come from the chest.
Final thoughts
Finding ways to relax can be a struggle, and even if you do one relaxing activity, you might find yourself needing to do another to achieve your desired results.
It’s up to you whether a massage is the only thing you do to relax or you pair it with other relaxing activities. Either way, you should do what works best for you and helps you achieve a perfect state of bliss.
Mike
July 28, 2023 at 5:52 am
My wife introduced me to massage. Thankfully, so. I’m an extremely hard working physically so man. As getting older, it’s getting more difficult for my body to keep up with my mind. The heat is also something I’m needing to avoid. Yesterday I went in for a 90 min Swedish massage, during the hot part of the day. Afterwards my aches were gone and I felt great. I was able to get back to work and didn’t quit until sundown. It in fact revitalized me. I’m wondering if I can do this too much? You say not to be strenuous after but it gave me energy.