There’s no denying that Valentine’s Day looks a little different this year. With another lockdown upon us and social distancing being absolutely necessary in our current world, getting cosy with that special someone might just not be possible in 2021.
Whether you’re spending the day single or simply can’t spend time with your significant other, this year is the perfect excuse to focus on self-love. So, light your favourite Halcyon Naturals candle, have a relaxing bath (rose petals optional, but very much recommended) and prepare yourself for some self-massage. Not only is a great way to connect with yourself through the power of touch, but our guide below is guaranteed to enhance your ability to unwind.
Mentally, self-massage can be a great tool for relieving stress and anxiety, as well as simply as a way to remind yourself that you deserve rest and relaxation. And as our ongoing challenge proves, we’re all about self-love this year!
Just like when giving someone else a massage, atmosphere is everything! Put as much effort into yourself as you would into a romantic evening with someone special.
Firstly, ensure that the lighting is right. Soft, warm lights are the best option for signaling to your brain that it’s time to switch off.
Secondly, make sure that you’re harnessing the power of aromachology with relaxing scents. To kill two birds with one stone (figuratively, of course! All of our products are 100% vegan…), opt for one of our relaxing candles which not only smell amazing, but will fill your room with warm light.
We recommend either our Love candle to promote self-love and inner calm or our Meditation candle to really focus on clearing the mind.
Step one: Apply a small amount of massage oil to your thumbs
Step two: Place both of your thumbs at the base of the skull, with your palms facing outwards
Step three: Rub in circular motions
Step one: Pinch the tips of each finger, after applying a small amount of oil to each hand.
Step two: Rub the palm of your hand with your thumb in circular motions, going clockwise and then counterclockwise.
Step three: Using your thumb, rub from the base of each finger down to the wrist, in a straight line. Do this on both your palm and with your hand flipped the other way!
Why should you practice self-massage?
Perfecting the art of self-massage is an opportunity to learn something new and enjoy its benefits as you please. From a quick lunch break fix after sitting hunched over your computer, to using it as a key part of your evening routine, this rejuvenating activity detoxifies and nurtures. The best part? Self-massage had both psychological and physical benefits! On the physical side of things, when practiced correctly, it’s thought that it can help with everything from slowing the signs of ageing and preventing injury, to simply nourishing the skin (aka the largest organ of the body).
Mentally, self-massage can be a great tool for relieving stress and anxiety, as well as simply as a way to remind yourself that you deserve rest and relaxation. And as our ongoing challenge proves, we’re all about self-love this year!
The Self-Massage Essentials
- A massage oil: We recommend using an oil whilst practicing some self-massage so that you don’t tug at the skin. Not only can this cause premature signs of ageing, but it may also lead to irritation. Plus, oils are often full to the brim with nourishing ingredients, to moisturise and leave you glowing.
Creating the perfect atmosphere
Just like when giving someone else a massage, atmosphere is everything! Put as much effort into yourself as you would into a romantic evening with someone special.
Firstly, ensure that the lighting is right. Soft, warm lights are the best option for signaling to your brain that it’s time to switch off.
Secondly, make sure that you’re harnessing the power of aromachology with relaxing scents. To kill two birds with one stone (figuratively, of course! All of our products are 100% vegan…), opt for one of our relaxing candles which not only smell amazing, but will fill your room with warm light.
We recommend either our Love candle to promote self-love and inner calm or our Meditation candle to really focus on clearing the mind.
4 self-massage techniques to explore
Self-massage for the neck:
Step one: Apply a small amount of massage oil to your thumbs
Step two: Place both of your thumbs at the base of the skull, with your palms facing outwards
Step three: Rub in circular motions
Self-massage for the feet:
Step one: Sit on the edge of your bed or a comfy chair Step two: Put one tennis ball on the floor and place it under the arch of your foot Step three: Roll your foot over the ball in one direction and then the other to relieve tensionSelf-massage for the hands:
Step one: Pinch the tips of each finger, after applying a small amount of oil to each hand.
Step two: Rub the palm of your hand with your thumb in circular motions, going clockwise and then counterclockwise.
Step three: Using your thumb, rub from the base of each finger down to the wrist, in a straight line. Do this on both your palm and with your hand flipped the other way!
Self-massage for the lower back:
Step one: Lie on the floor with your legs bent and feet flat. Step two: Place two tennis balls where your sacrum meets the hip bone. Step three: Lift your hips and then lower them, feeling each tennis ball knead your muscles. Which techniques of self-massage are you going to explore? How are you going to set up the space that you’re unwinding in? We would love to hear about how Halcyon Naturals products are enhancing your self-care experiences on social media or in a review!