Tips for When You Can’t Get a Massage

Aloha friends-
About 4 years ago when I was dreaming of creating my own business and scheming how to mix my passions with my work, I kept coming back to one idea: sharing self-care for the real world. No to fluffy bubble baths, yes to unique needs and self-awareness (so, totally keep the bubble baths if they’re ya-thing). I, however, never imaged the real world looking like our current reality.

Our current reality is still, at times, unfathomable. I’m sure you agree.

Temporarily closing my massage office just 2.5 months after I had invested in my own space was not on the business plan. Speeding up my virtual health coaching program was way down on the to-do list. But, as humans have always done, we adapt and try to seek out solutions. I’m still going to bring you self-care for the real world.

Your Well First’s mission is to support your health and happiness by guiding you to create more self-awareness. I believe by recognizing your unique needs and choosing authentic self-care you can live a more fulfilled life.

I’m working to create meditations that you can use at home and eventually add-on to your massage treatment. I’m also using this time to get serious about newsletters and staying in touch with you! As a one-woman business, this can be challenging and I thank you for your patience, but my drive is fueled by my passion to help. It’s the least I can do.

Until you can get on the massage table again, use the following tips to help your nervous system reset and allow your body and mind to rest.

If you’d like to plan ahead (hello, positive thinking!) I have gift certificates available on my website for purchase. They may be a perfect way for you to say thank-you to those who are working tirelessly right now to help keep our daily lives somewhat normal. (Teachers, first-responders, restaurant owners, other local businesses, neighbors, and friends). I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.

Our current reality has a lot of unknowns. I wish I was able to give a timeline of when I can safely offer massages once again, but it’s not an option right now. I’m firm in my belief that my treatments will “do no harm”, so when I reopen my doors you can be confident it is with your safety at the top of my mind. Until then, please take care of yourself and stay in touch. Feel free to email me at cristin@yourwellfirst.com

Be well,

Cristin

Self-Care You Can Use Right Now

Fill Your Well First

1. Take a mindful breath- it could be while you’re waiting for the coffee to brew or in between chores/video meetings. Take a deep, slow breath in and hold it. Think about how your body feels. Exhale slowly and mindfully tell your body to release tension. Repeat 2 more times. No need to include any judgement or expectation. Mindfully be with your body and acknowledge where you are at. Bam! Self-awareness on the rise :)BONUS: I think the hold is the best part. The moment to really slow it down.

2. Set boundaries around news and social media consumption- The news tends to creep into all aspects of our lives these days. And just by watching the constantly changing info, you can trigger your fight or flight response. Give you mind and nervous system a rest by only consuming media of all forms at pre-determined times. This might even look like asking others to change the subject and talk about something else. “Anyone do a puzzle lately?” Use this strategy to allow the other hours of the day to be productive and focused.

3. Move your body- Do it for the endorphins. Do it for your immune system. Now more then ever subscribe to the 1st law of physics: A body in motion tends to stay in motion. I don’t need to tell you there are TON of home workouts available right now. You can find something to do.

4. Remember what you love- a key component of filling your well first is choosing to do things that make you feel unequivocally real and true. Keep those things in your life right now. Quoting episodes of The Office, yes. Trying new hairstyles, yes. (please don’t cut your own bangs, though!) Painting, yes. Updating your Spotify playlist with your greatest hits, yes. Remember what lights your creativity and spark and as you’re doing it, remember to love it.

5. Get curious about aches and pains- I know you are missing your massage time! And while I absolutely encourage you to get after those knots with whatever tools are at your disposal (looking at you tennis ball and Thera-guns), remember to consider the opposite side of your pain. For example, if you feel pain in the back of your shoulder, consider self-massaging your chest and front of your shoulder too. Often times tight muscles on the opposite side of the pain are the culprit and pain is the result of them pulling too much. You may also be using your body in different ways than your normal routine. Notice the changes that occur with new activities. #bodyawareness