The Vernal Equinox – Spring ahead!
As the Vernal Equinox approaches, signs of Spring are everywhere. This time of rebirth is a perfect time to recommit to taking care of yourself. The warm weather, singing birds and longer days provide a refreshing and invigorating motivation.
Gardening and yardwork, Spring housecleaning, longer workouts and outside fun can put strain on your back and “winter muscles.” As you step up your level of activity, you may not take the time to slowly build up your strength and endurance. In order to perform at your best, it’s important to take care of yourself.
In addition to massage, you may find relief of minor aches and pains with a good old-fashioned bath of warm water and Epsom Salt. The salts draw impurities from your system, soothing sore muscles. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to help you drift off to a deep slumber post soak. Or use energizing peppermint essential oil if you choose to bathe in the morning.
When building your exercise routine, be sure to include time for stretching. Working out causes tiny rips in muscle fibers. As your body repairs those rips, muscles grow stronger. Stretching is an integral component in that process, so be sure to find out which stretches should be part of your practice.
Science shows that spending time with your hands in dirt (or toes in sand!) is restoring. Referred to as the “earthing” or “grounding”, the idea is that since the earth is more negatively charged than the human body, when touched with exposed skin, you absorb electrons. Those free electrons are thought to boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and stress, help regulate blood pressure. Many proponents report improved sleep and more energy. If it sounds a little hokey, just remember how relaxing it feels to walk on dewy grass or let your toes melt into warm sand. Certainly can’t hurt, right?!
Massage has been shown to increase circulation and reduce swelling. The boost of endorphins it produces are nature’s pain relief, so if your Spring activities have left you feeling a little sore, now is the time to schedule a rejuvenating massage!
Bridget Riley brings the spa experience into NJ client’s homes based on the theory that an hour of body work should be followed by an hour of rest. She is the owner of Pampered Spirit, the premier mobile massage business in the State of New Jersey. Pampered Spirit has a boutique location which serves as a dispatch center for mobile massage therapists and a serene enclave for onsite clientele.
Ms. Riley’s wellness empire has been featured on national television and has grown to 40 team members strong. In addition to being an established body worker and certified massage therapist, as a wellness coach she has orchestrated workshops for several universities and companies.
Notable clients include NFL Films and the Atlantic City Convention Center. As the industry continually evolves, so does Miss Riley. Her current focus is Wellness Coaching after studying the subject at Duke University.