It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday magic and forgot to make time for yourself. The holiday season comes with many, many joys; time with family, parties, buying gifts, and home cooked meals. Unfortunately, the holiday season also comes with many stress factors; time with family, shopping, parties, cooking homemade meals, and travel! We’ve written about the effects of stress, both physical and emotional, on the human body before, check out this post for the science.  

It is important to take care of yourself during the next few months by paying a little extra attention to how you are feeling. Here are some tips from us to have a healthy holiday!

• To stay ahead of stress try meditating. Even just 1 - 5 minutes can be beneficial. Try downloading a mediation app, it may just come in handy during travel when the kid behind you starts kicking the seat! (there are many free ones, we like Take a Break! and Calm)

• Take a warm bath with Epsom salts to soothe your tired muscles and help you sleep.  

• Take a quick nap if you can, or better yet come in for an appointment and nap on the table while getting a massage!

• On long car rides try to stretch your legs on pit stops and bring a back pillow if you need the lumbar support.  

• Boost your immune system with vitamin C in the days leading up to your flights or train rides.  

• Pack a little lighter if you can to ease the strain of heavy luggage and be sure to lift from your legs or ask for help getting your luggage into those overhead bins.

• If parties stress you out, give yourself permission to leave after a certain time. Say hello and thank you to the host, hang out for a bit and leave when you are ready, don’t even worry about making up excuse. Most people will just be glad you came and made time for the party in this busy season! Also most stores have plenty of pre made options if you need to bring a dish!

Enjoy the holidays, take time to breath and truly enjoy the season!!!

Happy Holidays from the Team at Massage Hope. 

*As always if you have questions about massage therapy feel free to give us a call at 703-858-2323 or email kirsten@massagehope.com