2.) Hydrate before and after. Arriving at your appointment well hydrated can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your massage, during which metabolic waste is pushed out of your muscle tissues and into your bloodstream. If you’re dehydrated, your blood flow will be sluggish, your body won’t process toxins as efficiently as it ideally should, and you may feel more achy following the massage. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day every day is essential for good overall health, and we would be remiss if we didn’t express the importance of constant hydration for beautiful, glowing skin. 

Avoid alcohol and caffeine at least 12 hours after your massage as it can leave you feeling dehydrated.

3.) Communicate with your massage therapist. Environment and comfort are important aspects of the massage experience. Heavenly Hand's spa preofessionals are easygoing, and they want you to let them know if there’s anything they can do to make your experience better. If ambient music makes you want to poke out your eyeballs or total silence makes your mind do funny things, let ‘em know. If you’re too warm or too cold, or if something feels particularly helpful and you want more of it, don’t be shy about cluing them in—likewise if something hurts or doesn’t feel quite right.

4.) Breathe. You may find yourself holding your breath while your massage therapist is working on a particularly stubborn knot, but doing so makes it more difficult for your muscles to release tension, and it can make the massage feel more painful. But breathing during your massage isn’t just about facilitating the release of tension from your muscles. It’s also about being present in the moment, maintaining awareness of the area of your body that’s being worked on, and promoting healing on a deeper level. While your massage therapist is preparing, focus on a rhythmic breathing pattern. As you inhale, imagine your tension and all of your negative thoughts being pulled into the breath, and as you exhale, imagine them leaving your body and dissipating into the ether. Do this five times or so, then settle into a comfortable breathing pattern. Re-adjust or refocus your breath as needed throughout the appointment.

5.) Extend your "me" time. Schedule other just-for-you appointments on the same day, such as a massage and facial massage back to back to relax a bit longer.

6.)  Dress the part. Want to feel relaxed after your massage? Bring comfortable clothing to change into. People coming from work might be in suits and heels; If you're coming straight from work, bring along some sweatpants to change into after your massage, so that comfortable feeling lasts a little bit longer.

7.)  Savor the effects. Once the massage is over (boo!), don’t hightail it off the table as soon as your therapist has left the room. Instead, take a few more slow, deep breaths, and focus on how your body feels. Open your eyes, and let them take in the atmosphere of the room as they become accustomed to the light. Slowly roll over onto your side, and push yourself into a seated position. Sit still for a few breaths, then slowly retrieve your things and savor how you feel – mind, body, and spirit – as you get dressed. For the next few hours, try to stay in that relaxed, present-focused mindset. Enjoy a yoga class, have a leisurely soak in the tub with your favorite aromatherapy oils, or relax on the patio with a glass of fruit-infused water. Eat a light, healthy meal, then sink luxuriously into your mattress for some seriously restorative sleep.

8.)  Avoid strenuous activity. Immediately after your massage, take it easy. 

Forgo hiking and running in favor of yoga or light stretching,

9.) Avoid stress. As much as possible, avoid stressful situations before and after your massage. If you know it stresses you out to talk to a certain someone on the phone, don't talk to that person right before or after you get a massage.

10.) Invest in regular massage. Overextending yourself financially won't leave you feeling relaxed no matter how experienced your massage therapist is. With Heavenly Hand's member loyalty program, your monthly massage and spa services are affordable and accounted for. It's easy to waste money on frivolous things, cut down on that spending, and budget for a professional massage.