Author: Miracles Massage

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5 Steps to a Mindful New Year

It’s a glorious new year filled with endless possibilities. We each have the opportunity to mindfully focus on the person we are at present and make a pact with ourselves to keep that present person focused and positively charged. Will it be easy? Yes, it can be with five easy steps to help keep you balanced.

Step 1: Choose Simplicity
The very first step to a mindful new you is to rid yourself of excess. You must thoughtfully choose to live more simply. While it sounds easy, you have to be sure you are ready for what that means.

Many of us carry unnecessary burdens around each day. We overextend ourselves. Our “downtime” is watching television while simultaneously responding to emails and checking social media accounts. We opt for packing our schedules full of social obligations or business meetings to get ahead, or worse, to ensure we are doing what everyone else is doing.

Choosing simplicity means thoughtfully giving these norms up and focusing only on what will bring you light and fulfillment. It means turning your attention to what your body craves. It means silencing the noise that surrounds you day after day.

Step 2: Establish Bodily Awareness
Your body is the hub of all communication. Listen to what it is telling you. Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, spend a few moments reflecting on what you can do for your body that day. It may be as simple as doing a few breathing exercises, or as great as seeking counsel on a tender spot, mark, or lump you have been ignoring. Spend a few moments focusing your mind on each part of your body. Let your thoughts linger. Begin with you toes, then your ankles, etc. work your way up to your head, feeling each point of your body and addressing any aches and pains that may arise.      

Step 3: Release Negative Energy
Negative energy can work a number on you mentally and physically. When we harbor stress, it can cause a number of problems. Find a way to release that stress. Choose a meaningful outlet for yourself like physical exercise, massage, yoga, soaking in a salt bath, whatever will help you rid yourself of the toxic energy that consumes you.

Step 4: Consult Mindfulness Tools
Often with each new year, we start strong on our intentions and slowly wane with each passing day. Find tools specific to your passions to help keep you on track. Use an app on your phone or listen to a podcast. Try journaling for a few minutes a day to remind yourself why you chose to be more mindful. Find something that works for you and keeps you focused on your inner goals.

Step 5: Accept Your Mindful or Mindless Self
While we all have great aspirations for change, slip ups will probably happen. That is okay! Give yourself the gift of acceptance. Know that you will backslide a few times throughout the course of the year, but it is never too late to try again. At any point in your journey you can refocus your thoughts and put in place reasonable actions that will get you back on track. Also keep in mind, you will likely need to reevaluate your original course throughout the year and make adjustments as you conquer some areas.

For more suggestions on how to have a mindful new year, contact us today!

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Why You Should Set Mindful Intentions This New Year

Cue your inner movie player and picture a scene when the ball drops and Auld Lang Syne plays softly in the background. We’re meant to cling to our loved ones, reminiscing about days gone by as we clink a little bubbly. Each shared kiss, although it may not begin with Kay, represents hope of what is to come in the year ahead. Hope of something the preceding year did not grant us.

  

The hope for the new year tends to bring resolutions that more often than not, don’t make it through January. We make resolutions because we know we want to make a change of some sort and we try to hold ourselves to it. This year, instead of making a resolution you are likely to scrap in a few weeks, we invite you to set mindful intentions.

What does that mean?
To set a mindful intention, you should first think about your desired outcome. What do you hope to achieve? Think it through to the finish. Use your senses as you reflect on it. What does the outcome look like, sound like, taste like, smell like, or feel like? Now develop it a little more. What steps do you need to take to achieve the outcome? Make sure to leave yourself some wiggle room as your desired outcome may take twists and turns you didn’t anticipate.

Say What?
Okay, let’s start with a typical New Year’s Resolution: exercise more. Have you ever noticed how the gym is packed in the first few weeks of January and then it levels off? People get tired of their resolution if it isn’t rooted in something deeper.

Making a Mindful Intention Instead of a Resolution
Another approach would be to think about why you want to exercise more. Do you want to lose weight? Lower your blood pressure? Look incredible in a bathing suit? Without a clear idea of why you make a random resolution, you are unlikely to achieve it.   

Big Picture Equals Big Success
Perhaps your intention begins with wanting to take better care of yourself. What does that look like for you? It may include going to the gym three times a week so you can lower your blood pressure. It may also include a more healthful diet and establishing a better self-care plan.

By looking at the whole picture you can mindfully make decisions and evaluate your intention day-by-day or week-by-week. Say, for instance, you twist your ankle and are unable to go to the gym three times a week as originally planned. You can still work on lowering your blood pressure by focusing on a healthy meal plan, managing your stress level, and finding an exercise program with a lot of floor work until your ankle heals. 

As you set your mindful intentions, remember to stay positive, allow yourself flexibility, and remember to focus on where you hope to end up in December 2018.

If you want to learn more about setting mindful intentions, contact us today!

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3 Ideas on How To Be Generous With Yourself

Busy people often put their self care last on their list of to-do items. It is something that can be viewed as a luxury, and only completed if all the other items are crossed off of their list. It comes as no surprise that entrepreneurs, business owners, and parents put in long hours, finding little time to care for themselves. Are you one of these people?

Remember, especially during the bustling holiday season, if you don’t take care of yourself properly, you are inviting illness, stress, and fatigue into your home. We’ve come up with three ideas on how to be generous with yourself to ensure you are operating at full capacity through the new year.

1. Soak in a Himalayan Salt Bath
Salt baths are excellent for helping to detox your body by reducing inflammation, stimulating oxygen and blood flow, and aiding in weight loss. Himalayan salt is known to help balance hormones, boost immunity, and regulate blood pressure.

Short on time? No problem, you don’t need to cram an appointment at the spa into your already packed schedule. You can experience all the benefits of a luxurious bath in the comforts of your own home. After you put the kids in bed, respond to emails, wrap presents, or prep for your morning meeting, draw yourself a bath and add Himalayan salt to it. Make sure to keep the water at body temperature to fully experience the work of the salts.

2. Mix it Up with Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses concentrated essential oils in a variety of ways to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit while promoting health and providing balance. By knowing which essential oils to use and how to properly blend them, you can experience their healing properties to the fullest.

When putting the oils in a diffuser, you take in the aromas that send messages to your nervous system and the part of your brain that controls emotions. When mixing the concentrated essential oils with a base oil, you can apply them topically, allowing your skin to absorb them.

3. Experience a Massage
Whether you go to Miracles Massage to experience one of our custom designed massages, or have your partner give you a gentle rub down at home, treat yourself to the benefits of massage.

Need a little reminder on some of those incredible benefits? Massage is known to:

  • relieve pain and stress,
  • aid depression and anxiety,
  • boost immunity,
  • soothe migraines,
  • ease menstrual cramping and PMS, and
  • improve sleep.

It is very common, especially around the holidays, for people to focus on everyone and everything around them except for themselves. We are in a perpetual giving mode, yet we forget to give a little generosity, warmth, and kindness to ourselves. Don’t forget to give yourself the gift of relaxation and tranquility.    

For more ways on how to be generous with yourself or suggestions for aromatherapy that might be right for you, contact us today!

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Myth Buster: Why Massage Isn’t a Luxury

Many people believe that massage is a luxury afforded only to those with a disposable income. It’s for people who want to give themselves a day of pampering, or it is a treat rather than a necessity. Spoiler alert: these people are wrong!

Massage is a tool, supported by research, that can aid the body in dealing with an assortment of medical conditions like:

  • muscle pain,
  • anxiety,
  • circulatory issues,
  • insomnia, and
  • emotional distress.

Massage therapy is also often used in conjunction with a medical treatment plan for people recovering from heart surgeries and cancer treatments. It is not simply a luxury, but rather a golden ticket to a comprehensive health regimen.

The magic of massage is known to provide incredible benefits, which is why it is important to debunk the illusion that massage is a luxury. Most people would agree that the key to a healthy lifestyle includes proper nutrition and a regular exercise program. It can also be argued that frequent massage should not be a once in awhile thing, but rather a regular part of your routine, same as a gym membership.

We are constantly peppered with messages on television, radio, and social media about healthy food options and new exercise crazes. Additionally, when we exercise we see and feel the effects of working our bodies. Massage is a little different because it is not talked about as much. Physical touch does a world of good inside our bodies. It releases feel-good endorphins, it helps the blood flow more easily through the body, and it helps with lymphatic drainage. It is an incredible resource.

Additionally, something you may not know is that your doctor can approve massage for insurance coverage if you have a medical need. Yes, it’s true. Some insurance programs recognize the critical value of a massage in a person’s wellness plan and are willing to pick up some of the tab.

Properly caring for yourself and effectively approaching your healthcare through massage should not be viewed as a luxury, but rather a necessity. Whether your medical concerns are great or small, you should not consider caring for yourself as an indulgence.

If you want to learn more about how to design a healthy lifestyle overhaul by incorporating massage, essential oils, and mindfulness into your regular routine, contact us for suggestions.    

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4 Essential Oils You Need to Control Holiday Weight Gain

This time of year it is hard to resist all the scrumptious happy hour appetizers, the bottomless cocktails, the carb and gluten-filled cookies, and all that comes with the holiday party extravaganzas that we love. Our normal conscientious approach to healthful eating gets pushed to the wayside as we indulge in all the seasonal treats offered to us.

The faster-than-normal pace we keep during the holiday season paired with the irregular eating habits can cause issues for your digestive tract, not to mention your waistline. As you slide through the holiday smorgasbord you need these four essential oils to help keep you on track and to control unwanted weight gain.    

1. Eucalyptus Oil
If you are an emotional eater, this is the oil for you. Eucalyptus Oil is a mood booster that will help to increase your energy level. For those of you whose holiday party schedule is making you tired and decreasing your desire for a workout, meet Eucalyptus Oil. You’re welcome.

2. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon Oil is an antioxidant that helps your body from creating fat. This magical little gem keeps your sugar cravings in check by helping to control the release of blood sugar.

3. Fennel Oil
When you have overindulged and your gut needs a little relief, Fennel Oil is the way to go. It will help with bloating, gas, constipation, and all the fun stuff that goes along with an upset tummy. As an additional perk, it can boost your metabolism.

4. Peppermint Oil
If there is only one oil you try in hopes of controlling your weight, let this be the one. Peppermint Oil will help curb your appetite, improve digestion, reduce cravings, increase the feeling of fullness, and boost your energy level.

There is no easy way to lose weight without causing a bunch of health problems in the long run. However, incorporating essential oils into your daily routine can help your health overhaul. With the addition of essential oils, you can increase your mood, energy level, and metabolism this holiday season. You can also control cravings and improve your digestion.

If you have questions about which essential oils are right for you, contact us today and we will help guide you.

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10 Mindful Gifts to Give This Holiday Season

Giving a gift, handmade present wrapped in paper.

It’s the holidays, hon. What to get the people on our list is top of mind, these days. When we aren’t sure what you get, we often head straight for our smart devices to search for a list of popular ideas for fill in the blank. The trick is finding something suitable and meaningful for our special people. The searches are a great starting point for some, but where do you go when you want to give a gift that will have a true meaning or a lasting impact on the recipient?

You’re in luck, we did the legwork for you and came up with a dynamite list of 10 mindful gifts to give this holiday season.

1. Essential Oils Basket
This gift can be custom designed to meet the needs of each individual. Find a diffuser then think of a theme. Does the recipient need aromatherapy to help them relax or feel energized? Choose essential oils that are right for the individual and design a beautiful basket for their enjoyment. We’ve got loads to say about the benefits of essential oils and their uses so contact us if you need help choosing the perfect combination.

2. Gift of a Self-Care Experience
Many people put their head down and work. They view self care as a luxury rather than an essential to healthy living. You can put their mind at ease, in more ways than one, by giving them an opportunity to rest, relax, and feel the benefits of self care. Ideas include a gift certificate to yoga classes, a massage, or a day a their favorite spa.

3. Daily Dose of Inspiration
Who couldn’t use a little inspiration on a daily basis? Find a calendar with daily inspirational quotes, frame a life verse, or give them a journal to capture their daily thoughts and ideas.

4. Subscription for a Meal Delivery Plan
Food is a bridge to someone’s heart. Whether it’s for an overworked parent, a recent grad trying to make it on their own, a recent widower, or busy colleague, food comforts. Why not give a gift to help their night a little easier, at least once a month. Places like Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, and Home Chef make this idea more manageable and convenient for everyone.

5. Wine or Beer of the Month
Let’s face it, people like booze. Think about it, if you like alcohol, have you ever been disappointed when someone gave you a new wine to try or a beer packed with flavor and hops? It’s hard to go wrong when you send someone a gift like this. For those skeptics worried about giving alcohol, remember, wine and beer enthusiasts enjoy the taste and some like to figure out flavors using guides. Hint, hint, another gift idea.

6. Artwork
Art is exquisite and is enjoyed by many. If you are looking for a unique gift, search for a local artist and find a painting that’s just right for your special someone.

7. Family Fun Night
Whether you purchase a pack of movie tickets, seats for a theatre production, or assemble a basket filled with your favorite board game classics, families will appreciate the time together to share in laughter and merriment throughout the year.  

8. Charitable Donation
It’s very popular to make donations in someone’s name as a gift option. We suggest you figure out what organization your special person likes the most and make a donation there in their honor. Then you have the opportunity to give a gift to more than just one person.

9. A Book of Homemade Vouchers
What do you give someone who has everything? Perhaps a helping hand is what they need most. Here’s an opportunity to creatively make a coupon book that can be cashed in for things like, shoveling snow, free babysitting, an afternoon tea, a night off from cooking and cleaning up dishes, etc. Use your creativity on this one!

10. A Framed Snapshot in Time
In this digital age, may of our photos remain in a cloud, on a phone, or stored on a hard drive. Print them out. Find a photo that captures a precious moment in time and share it. Let the person receiving the photo enjoy the memory each time they sit at their desk, walk down their hallway, or lounge on their favorite chair.   

Miracles Massage is running a #CyberWeek special, which ends tomorrow, November 30. Click here to learn more and purchase online.

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Holiday Self-Care: Giving Thanks For You

Give thanks.

Oh, the holidays! The air is crisp and smells of pumpkin, cinnamon, or peppermint greet us in the most unexpected places. Stores begin to transition before our eyes into beautiful shades of red and green with twinkling lights galore. It leaves us with a feeling of warmth, happiness, and sometimes, if we are not mindful, panic.  

The season of extra giving, spending, prepping, baking, wrapping, and indulging can lead to feeling overwhelmed, if you aren’t careful. Are you ready? Really ready? That is to say, in your already full life of work, housekeeping, taxi driving, activity attending, meal planning, caregiving, etc. are you mentally prepared for the extra work that comes with the holidays?

As grownups, we realize that the grand puppet master of the holiday extravaganza that our family enjoys is, often, us. Our normal lives require a great balancing act as projects pile up, calendars are packed with activities and inboxes remind us of upcoming or (gulp) overdue tasks. In everyday life, adding one or two more items to our to-do list could cause a little healthy stress. However, when we add in the sprinkle of holiday prep, and expectations, panic and overwhelm just might be sitting behind door number two, if we aren’t mentally prepared.

Here’s a list of Self-Care Dos and Don’ts This Holiday Season you must remember. Your mindset depends on it!

Don’t:
1. Skip meals or go on a junk food only diet – as tempting as it may be to swing by the drive-thru a few times a week, or to ignore your growling stomach, remember to nourish yourself with a healthful diet so you don’t end up getting sick.
2. Forgo the gym– when you are racing the clock, regular exercise is often the first thing to go. Remember when you work out, those happy serotonin endorphins release, giving you energy and making your outlook on life a little brighter.
3. Ditch your pals – when we can’t see past our own busyness, we may say no to a lunch invitation, a happy hour, or a gabfest. Remember, your pals know you best and make your heart light. They also may be able to offer advice or strategies for tackling the stressors you face.

Do:
1. Find time for yourself– although it may sound like a luxury you cannot afford, taking time to nourish your mind and body will help you to be more productive. In your over-packed schedule, carve out time to do something just for you and make it sacred. You work hard and deserve it!
2. Take a break– when we are overly stressed, our skills are not sharp, our focus is not clear, and our efforts are often counterproductive. Pay attention to the warning signs your body gives you. Take time for breaks to gain clarity and focus. There is a reason you are stressed. You do a lot, you don’t need to earn breaks, but you should thank yourself once in a while.
3. Breathe– simple breathing exercises make a huge impact on our psyche. You can do it anywhere at any time. It’s a guaranteed calming device.

For some, the idea of self-care seems indulgent. It’s a reward only to be cashed in on if they have made sacrifices, completed their list of to-do items, and the calendar says there is an opening. We say that’s crazy talk! Find something to help you care for yourself. There’s only one of you so be thankful to yourself for all that you accomplish daily. Take a walk, schedule a massage, do something wacky and fun. If you don’t, you risk falling victim to the dreaded holiday overwhelm instead of holiday joy.

We have an idea for you: opt-in to our #CyberWeek deal, which starts on Thanksgiving morning and ends at midnight on November 30.

 

 

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Knockout Illness This Holiday with 5 Powerful Essential Oils

No one wants to be sick over the holidays. The busyness of everyday life and holiday prep can take a toll on our bodies if we are not mindful to take proper care of them. You can get sick in surprising ways. Don’t let the holiday hype affect your immune system.

Ward off illness this holiday with 5 powerful essential oils, and one knockout blend. Trust us, you’ll be thanking yourself in January for taking mindful measures to combat illness now.

1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is known for its versatility. It is great for headaches, indigestions, fever, and stomach issues. Add it to your tea, hot cocoa, or in baked goods for extra flavor.

2. Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is popular for its medicinal uses. It can aid with colds, flu, and digestive problems. It is also rich with iron, calcium, and fiber. You can reap these incredible benefits through aromatherapy or by adding a few drops into your dish while fixing dinner.

3. Cloves Oil
Cloves oil is packed with vitamins A and C, as well as iron, sodium, and potassium. Along with being a natural aphrodisiac, therefore a stress reliever, clove oil is also a wonderful antioxidant and even helps with respiratory related issues like bronchitis, sinusitis, and sore throats.

4. Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is detoxifying. It promotes healing and energy through its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Drop a little lemon oil in your water and enjoy its taste or add it to your diffuser to boost your mental alertness.  

5. Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is great to help you protect yourself against viral and bacterial infections. A lesser known benefit is its help with food poisoning. So if your coworker’s holiday potluck surprise gave you a surprise of your own, Oregano oil can help!

A Blending Must
Blending essential oils can create incredible benefits. This season, as you do your best to fight off infections, an incredible blend to try is Thieves Oil. Take a deep breath, if you could bottle Christmas, this would be it. The blend of cloves, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oil will deliver the knockout punch you search for each cold and flu season.

Do It Yourself Lemon and Thieves Oil Sugar Scrub Recipe Ingredients:
1 small container
½ cup of white sugar
¼ cup of blending oil
15 drops of lemon essential oil
5 drops of Thieves essential oil

Mix to combine.

For more ideas on how to knockout illness with immune boosting essential oils, contact us!

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3 Amazing Benefits of Cupping Massage Therapy

Old medical cupping glass, petrolatum, and tweezers with cotton wool on a white wooden table. They are used to relax the muscles and treat inflammation.

Looking for a new gift idea for massage enthusiasts this holiday season? Consider a gift certificate for a cupping massage. Often, once a client has tried it, cupping becomes their favorite massage option. Just sayin’!

What is a cupping massage?
First, know the terms. There are two different types of cupping massage therapies: stagnant and dynamic. Your therapist will place small cups around major muscle groups on your body. This creates a suction, causing blood to flow to that area. In the stagnant method, cups are left on the body for about 10 minutes. This method is more likely to leave a mark on the body that will last anywhere from a few days to weeks. The dynamic method is when the therapist continuously moves the cups around the body in the direction of the lymphatic system. This is important to note because the lymphatic system rids your body of toxins and stimulates fresh blood flow throughout the body. The dynamic method is less likely to leave lasting marks on the body.    

Is it painful?
No, cupping is not painful. It may feel slightly uncomfortable to some clients, similar to the sensation of a deep tissue massage, but it should never cause pain.

How does this method of massage detox the body?
Cupping stretches and opens muscle tissues. Your body already rids itself of toxins, but this speeds up the process by helping to boost your lymphatic system.

Now that you have a better understanding of the practice, here are three amazing benefits you will receive from cupping massage therapy.

1. It provides healing of many health concerns
‘Tis the season for colds and flu. Cupping has been around for quite a while. It was used in traditional Chinese medicinal practices as well as by ancient Egyptians and North American Indians. It’s used to fight poor circulation, fever, and muscle discomfort.

2. It helps rid the body of toxins
Toxins are grouped into the two categories of water soluble or fat soluble. They come from our environment, and processed foods, among other things. Our bodies naturally rid water-soluble toxins within a day or so, but fat-soluble toxins may need a little extra help getting flushed out of our system.  

3. It gets weekend warriors back in the game
Cupping is a popular practice among athletes because it can help to heal their stiff, sore muscles while improving their health and performance.

Still have questions on how cupping works? We would be glad to speak with you about it! At Miracles Massage, every massage is customized to benefit the individual client and their specific needs. We will take time to assess our clients’ needs and concerns before trying anything new.

Sound like an amazing holiday gift for someone on your shopping list? Contact us today for a gift certificate.  

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25 Ways to Express Gratitude Anytime

November sparks the feelings of gratitude and appreciation for the people and things in our lives, more so than any other time of year. While this season of giving reminds us to be thankful, we don’t have to limit ourselves to sharing our feelings once a year. It is something that should be a part of our everyday life. Showing your appreciation for someone doesn’t need to be a big production. It can be as simple as saying ‘thank you’.

Not sure where to start? Here are 25 thoughtful ways to express your gratitude through simple kindness any time.

1. Email or text your significant other telling them why they’re so dreamy.
2. Tell someone who deserves it all the reasons you value them.
3. Send a note through the postal mail, just because.
4. Give a busy friend a night off and make them a meal.
5. Take a bottle of wine to your bestie’s house and have an impromptu laughfest.
6. Give genuine compliments.
7. Be a generous tipper next time you go out to eat.
8. Send flowers to someone who needs a little pick-me-up.
9. Give your sick buddy a basket filled with supplies like chicken noodle soup, orange juice, kleenex, and cough medicine.
10. Leave an assortment of essential oils on the desk of a stressed-out coworker (ask us for suggestions!)
11. Give to your favorite charity in honor of someone you love.
12. Pay it forward for the teenage boy at the gas pump searching for loose change in his car.
13. Offer to take a picture for a group of friends.
14. Encourage someone who feels like they are failing.
15. Play yet another round in a game with a small child even when you tire of it.
16. Thank a teammate for their part in a project.
17. Kiss your partner like you mean it.
18. Rake your neighbor’s leaves.
19. Invite a someone who recently lost a spouse over for dinner.
20. Help an older person with their groceries.
21. Slip your child’s teacher a $5 gift card.
22. Write a thank you note to your local police and fire stations. (Where would we be without them?)
23. Give encouraging words to the weary-looking mother of multiple children trying to get through the grocery store or Target.
24. Compliment you HOA representatives for caring so much about your community.
25. Give the gift of massage to someone who could use a little relaxation time.

After reading this list, have you noticed it is hard to separate being grateful and sharing kindness with others? Us too. When you stop to think about all the love and joy in your own life, it’s hard not to want to share that with others, making them feel a similar kind of happiness. So don’t save your cheer for the holidays, spread it every day.

For more ideas on how to express gratitude, contact us today!