What a few weeks.
While I'm grateful for our current health and circumstances, it took me some time to come to terms with a string of disappointments and changed expectations of what the next few months (and last 6-7 weeks of my pregnancy) is going to look like.
You too?
Including . . . (on a lighter note) forgoing the pre-natal massages I was looking forward to!
If you're anything like me, getting massages — whether they be at the nail salon, the fancy spa in town or the corner massage place — is one of your favorite ways to treat yourself.
I write in my book, Self-Care in the City, how massages are not indulgent, but such an important form of self-care and stress-relief in our busy, go-go-go world.
So, what's a lady or man to do when you're stuck at home, all the spas are closed and you're forced to practice social distancing?
Well, my friends, I've got some answers and ideas for you today.
I've been a nut about most of these items I'm sharing with you for years — even harking back before my personal trainer days.
We own all these in our own home — it's great to have tools on hand to work out the kinks and take care of yourself before you get injured or succumb to chronic pain or tension (I'm looking at you #techneck!).
And please, once we get the green light to go out in public again, book yourself a massage with a true professional — the massage will feel 100x better once this is all over, am I right!?
1. Foam Roller ($24): If your legs, butt, or back feel stiff, spending 10 minutes on your foam roller melts away tension, stretches out your muscles and fascia, and promotes circulation of fresh blood for true healing and regeneration. Foam rolling can feel awkward at first, but I promise, after just a few times, you'll build up a rhythm and spot the tight spots right away.
2. Spiky Green Ball ($5): I swear by this specific mini green ball for rolling out achy feet. In fact, it helped me heal from plantar fasciitis back in 2011.
3. Foot Roller ($11): This works similarly to the green ball above, but it's a bit easier to use and you can keep it under your desk to roll your feet while typing away.
4. Lacrosse Ball ($6): Use this to dig in to tight glute muscles or pecs — here's two videos I often share with my health coaching clients explaining how-to.
5. Massage Machine ($40): My brother and his gf purchased this last year and I used it once after a dinner party at their place. I was hooked, and we ordered one for our home pronto.
6. TriggerPoint Massage Cane ($17): When strength training for the wedding, I developed a knot in my upper left shoulder. Just using this for 5 minutes a day was more effective than paying for a massage.
7. Bath or foot tub with epsom salt flakes ($14): Order epsom salts online, (I love these super effective magnesium epsom flakes), pour a couple cups in a hot bath or this foot-soaking tub and enjoy some magical self-care for your body or feet. You'll melt your muscles and sleep like a baby because of the mineral magnesium in the Epsom salts.
8. Trade or Ask Your Partner: Sync up with your partner and exchange foot massages while watching a movie or Netflix. Set up a timer for 10 minutes or just massage each foot until you lose steam and switch. If foot massages with your roommate seem too intimate, try exchanging back or shoulder massages instead.
Did you find any ideas you'd like to try? Then please pass this email along to a friend who you know would *love* a massage right now.
Stay safe, stay healthy my friends,
Hugs,
