How to Relax During a Massage (10 Tips!)

If you’re getting a massage for the first time, it can be a nerve-wracking experience – even if it’s not your first time.

But if you’re to get the maximum benefit from a massage, you need to be able to relax.

I know this is easier said than done sometimes, so I’ve put together some tips to help you out.

Here are 10 tips on how to relax during a massage!

How to Relax During a Massage – 10 Tips

1. Meet Your Massage Therapist Before Hand

If you can, try and meet your massage therapist before the massage.

This way, you’ll be able to get a feel for their personality and see if they make you feel comfortable.

It’s also a good opportunity to ask any questions you might have about the massage.

Doing this will help put your mind at ease and you’ll be able to relax much quicker, and easier.

Related – Here is how massage therapists work so hard under physically demanding conditions.

2. Make Sure You Know What to Expect

One of the best ways to relax during a massage is to know what to expect.

Before your massage, make sure you ask your therapist about what they’ll be doing and what type of massage it will be.

This way, you won’t be surprised by anything during the massage and can just focus on relaxing.

If you’re not sure about something, don’t hesitate to ask!

Your therapist should be more than happy to answer any of your questions.

3. Drink Plenty of Water so You’re Hydrated

Before your massage, make sure you drink plenty of water.

This will help to prevent any pain or discomfort during the massage, as well as help your muscles to relax.

It’s also important to stay hydrated afterwards, so drink plenty of water after your massage too!

Drinking water before and after a massage will help flush out toxins – just be careful not to drink so much that you need to pee during the massage!

4. Take Your Time Settling onto The Table

When you first lie down on the massage table, take your time.

Adjust yourself so that you’re comfortable and in a position that you can relax in.

If you need to, use pillows or blankets to support your body and help you relax.

Remember, this is your massage – so make sure you’re as comfortable as possible otherwise you won’t be able to fully relax.

5. Practice Breathing Exercises

One of the best ways to relax is to focus on your breath.

Before your massage, take a few deep breaths and try to clear your mind.

During the massage, focus on breathing deeply and slowly.

This will help you to relax both physically and mentally.

If you find it difficult to focus on your breath, try counting each inhale and exhale.

Doing this will help to take your focus off of anything else and allow you to relax more easily.

6. Relax Your Body

Once you’re settled on the table and have started to breathe deeply, it’s time to focus on relaxing your body.

Start by tensing up each muscle group, and then releasing the tension.

Focus on one muscle group at a time and work your way from your toes all the way up to your head.

As you do this, you should feel your body start to relax.

7. Don’t Talk to Your Therapist

Some people like to chat during their massage, but if you’re finding it difficult to relax then it’s best to just focus on the massage.

If you do want to talk, keep the conversation light and easy – this isn’t the time for deep and meaningful conversations!

And if you don’t want to talk at all, that’s perfectly fine too.

Just let your therapist know before the massage starts so they don’t think you’re being rude.

8. Close Your Eyes and Visualize

Once your body is relaxed, close your eyes and start to visualize.

Imagine yourself in a peaceful and calm place.

It could be somewhere you’ve been before or somewhere completely imaginary.

Focus on the details of this place – what can you see, hear, smell?

The more detailed you can make it, the more effective it will be.

Spending a few minutes visualizing can help to completely relax your mind and body.

9. Try to Think About Nothing – Like You’re Meditating

Some people find it easier and more relaxing to think of nothing, almost like they’re meditating.

If this is something that works for you, then go for it!

It can be tricky to clear your mind completely, but it’s worth it if you can manage it.

And if you can’t, don’t worry – just focus on your breathing and relax as much as you can.

Any relaxation is better than none at all.

Related – Why diarrhea and stomach upset is sometimes a side effect of massage.

10. Think of The Positive Health Benefits

Finally, remember that getting a massage has lots of positive health benefits.

It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, relieve pain, improve sleep, and boost your immune system.

So even if you don’t feel completely relaxed during the massage, know that it’s still doing you good!

We hope these tips help you to relax during your next massage. Remember, the more you relax, the more you’ll enjoy the experience and the more benefits you’ll reap!

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Header Photo by Usen Parmanov on Unsplash