I hear all the time in my massage room from clients that scheduling personal time for themselves to get a massage, go to the gym, etc. can be a challenging experience at times. We all know the benefits a wonderfully relaxing, therapeutic massage can have on ourselves. I think it's time we take a look at what setting some time aside for yourself AND a loved one can do for you and your relationships.
A time to reconnect with each other.
During a massage session it is almost instinctual to let go of the past and the future. Your subconscious gives you permission to focus on the present. At a time when peoples' lives have become increasingly busy we often put ourselves and our relationships on the back-burner. Sitting at home watching television or eating dinner while checking our phones or going over the list of to-do's in our heads often doesn't provide the type of quality time we need with each other. While fully engaging in an activity together, like a couples massage, we give ourselves time to reconnect with little effort.
The "feel good" effect.
Massages are known to release feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. What does this mean for you? If you have booked a couples massage with your spouse or partner...you have basically just given yourselves the love potion. Oxytocin is known as the "cuddle-chemical", or at least I like to think so.
Increased comfort & trying something new.
Walking into a new situation, especially one that has it's "stories" can be intimidating for some. Massages encourage all the muscles in your body to relax, which, in turn, relaxes your mind...this is sometimes much easier to do when you have a friend or loved one by your side. If you have been curious about massage & bodywork, but have never experienced it for yourself, a couples massage is a great way to dive in!