Post-rehab is one of the most stressful times in the recovery process. The great thing about living in a luxurious sober living home is that it helps the person focus on the recovery process in a nice setting. Some say that stress is arguably brought on by one’s environment, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything about it. Enter the art of self-massage, which is one of the best ways to unwind and relax the cheapest, easiest way possible. You don’t need any fancy schmancy tools or technical know-how. All you need is a few minutes of your time and maybe your choice of lotion or oil.
Face massage
Here’s a photo to help you get started. You can do this at any time of the day for a few minutes. Starting with your neck, use your preferred amount of pressure to do upward strokes. This helps tighten the skin around your neck and give you a more defined jawline. End the first part of the massage near the eyebrow area. Or if you find that you store stress on the top part of your head and are more prone to headaches, start your massage on the forehead, as seen in the second photo. End your massage with downward strokes to the chin. You can allot a few minutes ranging from 5 to 20 minutes a day for a facial massage. Glowing skin and a more youthful glow are just a bonus from doing this kind of massage. If you don’t like oils or lotions on your face, use lighter pressure so as not to stretch the skin too much.
Ear Massage
According to Chinese medicine, the ears have so many points that lead to many parts of the body. So simply focusing on your ears can actually do a lot of good – not to mention that it feels good especially if you’re prone to bruxism or grinding of teeth.
Hand and Foot Massage
Hand and foot massages are a favorite. This provides instant relief especially after a long day of walking. You can take your cue from Chinese acupressure – pressing on specific areas are supposed to help the body function better. Either way, hand and foot massages are a great way to start or end the day.
Bonus Tips:
Some people are not a fan of massage oils or lotions. If you’re that kind of person, opting for a massage while you shower is a great option. Use the lather from your soap so that the skin won’t be red and irritated. Aloe Vera gel and baby powder are less sticky options as well. But if you like Massage Oils and lotions, go for chamomile & lavender for a calming effect. Cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate are the best gourmand scents that deliver a luxurious feel to any kind of massage. Citrus scents on the other hand are very refreshing and rejuvenating – perfect for mornings right after you wake up or any time you need a refreshing boost without opting for caffeine.
The best thing about self-massage is that you can do it at the beach! While listening to the sound of waves and feeling the sand in between your toes, a quick face or scalp massage could prove to be a relaxing experience that rivals any expensive spa experience.