5 Best Things To Do After a Massage

How to get the most from your Massage

Doing just 1 of these practices will enhance your massage benefits, and if you can do all 5? Even better.

So you got a massage, and you’re feeling amazing! What are the things you can do to keep up that wonderful feeling and help the massage have the best effect possible?

This article answers that with the 5 best things to do after you get a massage.

I’ve been practicing massage for nearly 15 years and have seen thousands of clients in that time. A common (and great) question I often get is what can you do after the massage to best support your health and keep the relaxing effects of a massage going? The following are simple things you can do to get the most out of your massage appointment.

1. Hydrate. Here’s why:

   This may seem like it doesn’t matter much but it actually plays a HUGE role in your recovery. While we could get deep into different types of water (we’ll save that for another post). I’ll say this: try to find the best quality water you can, think spring or filtered, non bubbly, non flavored perfectly plain water. And drink up.
   A massage is actually very detoxifying. Everytime your therapist pushes against your tissue it triggers your circulation to push out whatever has been stagnent and gives your entire body a flush. Quite literally! Through the blood and lymph via… water! But here’s the catch, if you aren’t well hydrated (ideally before massage, as well as after) your cells won’t be able to turn over and replace the old with the new. You won’t get as much of a detox and everthing will settle back in, likely in the form of a headache, nausea, soreness, and stuffy nose. Oh dear.

2. Eat well.

   This one may not seem like much but it’s one that is deeply impactful. Our bodies respond to everything we put in them. Even if we don’t notice or think so. Eating a healthy nutrient dense meal after can support the detox process. If your body sees that you are filling it up with high quality nutrition, it is going to take an extra step in the detox process, allowing you to remove MORE of what you don’t need. Things that could be causing inflammation, allergies, brain fog, poor digestion, and more. If you’re trying to be healthy but not sure what that looks like for you, don’t worry. I’ve helped over 20 women shift their health, and find endless energy through the 1 and 3 month Energy Healing Packages I offer. Message me to see if you’re someone that could help too.

   Part two: Feeling relaxed after a massage is normal and good! It’s because you’ve switched from sympathetic nervous system (go go go, fight/flight & stress) to parasympathtic (the rest, digest, and heal) nervous system. Eating well will support this by keeping you in a healthy “rest and digest” stage, allowing you to bounce back to be energetic when you need, versus if you eat high processed foods, it will likely cause extra lethargy, and start to add back stress.

   Skip the cheetos, buy the cherries.

3. Lounge.

   This one is easy. Well, sounds easy. I know I know, there is A LOT to do. But often slowing down and taking breaks (like coming in for massage - amazing!) is just as important as the “productive” side of our day. I know, there is a lot to be done. But studies show our focus, energy, mood, health, nearly everything… improves when we provide our bodies with adequate rest and down time. And since you just invested time AND money into your health by getting a massage, you may as well get the most out of it! Enjoy your relaxed state and take the next few hours (or day/evening if you can) to relax and just be. Trouble doing that? Try this practice.

4. Soak.

   Ideally on vacation, in a beautiful hot tub under the stars. But next best option: Your bath with the following:

   • Epsom salts. I love this brand (click here). Epsom salt soaks are AMAZING as they help your muscles recover due to the high magnesium content. Magnesium is KEY to healthy muscle recovery and aids in a lot of other body functions as well, along with deeper sleep and reduced menstrual cramps. You can also get magnesium through snacks (think dark greens, and high quality dark chocolate) however, it’s actually absorbed better through the skin, which is why epsom salt baths are so popular.

   **Key to get the most from your bath - keep the water warm enough it’s comfy, but not hot enough you sweat back out the salts. Think: pores open, you’re comfy, but not hot.

5. Move

   …your body. Listen to your intuition on this one. If you’re overwhelmed, overworked, etc, prioritize rest before this one. But if you’re inclined to move: walking, yoga, stretching, and even simple moves to build strength can be an amazing thing to do after a massage. If you want something more relaxing there is a free yin class on Youtube. Otherwise trust your intuition, you always know what is best for your body. Always.

   Do you get massages frequently? What is your favorite thing to do after a massage!? Let me know below.

   Therapist friends! Let me know your thoughts + what would you add to this list?

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