When a baby or young child is upset or stressed, we often use the power of touch to soothe them; we stroke their hair, rub their shoulders or pat their back lovingly. This instantly comforts them and helps them to feel safe and loved. As adults, we crave this same sense of touch to soothe and comfort our over-stimulated and over-burdened nervous systems. However, our very British prudishness means this source of comfort and safety feels often as if it is only available to us, at best, in our one-to-one intimate relationships.

Yet, it is within our power to offer ourselves this sanctuary and relief either through professional massage or by incorporating some simple self-massage techniques into our daily self-care routines.

How to Incorporate Simple Self-Massage at Home

Incorporating self-massage into your daily self-care routine doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. There are several simple techniques you can incorporate into your day to ease tension and promote relaxation.

1. Mindful Awareness

Begin by dedicating just a few minutes each day to noticing where in your body you are holding on to stress. This Standing Body Scan exercise is a great way to do this.

Then simply focus on these areas, such as the neck, shoulders, and hands and utilise gentle kneading motions or circular strokes to release tight muscles and increase circulation. You could also consider investing in self-massage tools such as foam rollers, massage balls, or handheld massagers, which can provide targeted relief and enhance your overall massage experience.

2. Skincare selfcare

When applying your daily facial oil, serum or moisturiser, take a few extra seconds to massage it gently into your skin using gentle circular strokes. As well as helping the cream to penetrate into the skin, you’ll also be helping your skin to repair itself and even look younger and healthier by stimulating blood circulation and oxygen flow to the skin cells. You will also be sending signals to your sympathetic nervous system that it can relax.

3. Hand and feet self-massage

Keep a tube or pot of your favourite hand cream or body butter near to where you sit to relax in the evenings. This is the perfect opportunity to massage a little into your hands and/or feet whilst relaxing in front of the TV, chatting to your family about their day or listening to music. Again, you will be sending important signals to your stress response that it can ‘stand down’ as all is well and safe and releasing any stored tension in your extremities.

My personal favourite is the Bee Lovely Hand Cream from Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic as 3% of the proceeds from sales are donated to charities that protect our bees and other pollinators.

4. A massage swap

Consider offering your best friend or partner a massage swap. It is common in many Eastern cultures for family members to massage each other on a daily basis – head, hands, feet or the whole body, it really doesn’t matter. A massage exchange is a great way to strengthen emotional bonds through the power of mutual touch; whilst helping each other to relieve the potentially harmful effects of tension and stress on our health.

5. Aromatherapy

Choose a good quality massage oil that also incorporates the therapeutic benefits of natural essential oils. This way you can super-charge the stress-busting benefits of the massage itself but adding on the calming and soothing powers of aromatherapy essential oils.

I love to use either the Soothing Massage Oil or Women’s Balance Massage Oil from Neal’s Yard.

Add Self-Massage into your Daily Routine

Whether you integrate self-massage into your morning routine to energise for the day ahead or use it as a wind-down practice before bed, taking time to nurture your body through touch can have profound benefits for both your physical and mental well-being and even your relationships.

*Please note that if you purchase any products by following one of the links in this post then I will receive a commission from this.