Aaaah, there is NOTHING quite like the post massage glow! Whether you’re easing tension in those neglected muscles, bouncing back from an injury or just treating yourself to a bit of hard-earned downtime. But here’s a little secret: what you do after your massage matters just as much as what happens on the table. To help you make sure that blissed out feeling goes on and on, here are a few easy post-massage tips to keep in mind.
First things first: hydrate!
Water’s your very best friend after a massage. The treatment gets your lymphatic system moving, helping your body release built-up toxins – but hydration is the key to flushing them out. Think of it as pressing the reset button for your body. Keep sipping water through the day to stay energised and avoid that sluggish, foggy feeling that sometimes follows a deep tissue session.
Take your time getting up
t’s totally normal to feel a bit spacey or floaty after your massage. Give yourself a moment before leaping up off the table. Sit up slowly, take a few deep breaths and ease your way back into the real world. No rush, your nervous system will thank you.
Stick to the plan (even the exercises)
If your therapist has given you some post-massage exercises, try not to skip them. They’re carefully chosen to support your recovery and help your body hold onto the beautiful benefits of your treatment.
We’re not talking about a full-blown gym session here, just a few gentle movements you can sneak into your day. Done regularly, they can help reduce stiffness, keep knots at bay and let that loose, relaxed feeling live in your body a little longer.
Skip the stress
We know, life’s busy! But try to avoid diving straight into high-stress or intense activity right after your massage. Your body has just entered rest-and-repair mode; jumping straight into work emails, life admin or a beasting workout can undo all that good work.
If you can, plan your massage at a time when you can chill afterwards. Run a warm bath, do a little of that light stretching we’ve already talked about or just curl up with a book for a bit. Give yourself permission to take it slow.
Let the benefits sink in
What you do in the hours after your massage can make a big difference in how long those benefits stick around. Giving your body time to rest and settle means your muscles can fully absorb the effects of the treatment. Whatever the reason for your massage (and there are many), consistency and good after care really are everything. Hydrate, move and rest. There’s definitely a theme here!
Fit massage into your life (not the other way around)
To really enjoy the rewards of your massage, try not to squeeze it into a jam-packed day. Rather than rushing from meeting to appointment and back again, giving yourself even 30 minutes afterwards to relax will give your body and mind the space it needs to absorb all that good stuff.
One last thought
Massage doesn’t end when you leave the table – it’s part of a bigger self-care picture. Hydration, rest, gentle movement and managing stress well are all part of the plan to get you feeling your very best. So next time you book a session, plan a little buffer time around it. Your body will thank you.
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