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Image Source: FreeImages Do you find yourself feeling more stressed than usual, with little time to recover? Between work, school, and other responsibilities, it can feel like there are not enough hours in the day. For many people, this means that stress builds up until it becomes almost unbearable. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to relieve stress and ease your mind. One such technique is getting a massage. The benefits of massages are numerous, including lowering stress, reducing pain, and even improving posture. These six tips will help you make the most out of your next massage session so you can enjoy the stress-relieving benefits on a regular basis... Find the time that works for you It can be tempting to book a massage as soon as you feel overwhelmed by stress. However, booking a massage before you really need one can make the experience less beneficial. Instead, try to find the time that works best for you. One way to do this is by setting up a regular appointment. For example, many people choose to get a massage once a month as a way to keep stress at bay. Another way to make scheduling easier is to choose a time of day that works best for you. For example, studies show that mornings are best for reducing stress and anxiety. If you are a night owl, you may benefit more from scheduling your massages in the evenings. Research your options Before you book your first massage, you may want to research your options. You can start by asking your friends and family members which massage studios they prefer. You may also want to visit a few different locations and speak with the staff members to learn more about the options they offer. For example, you may want to take note of the types of massage offered, the duration of each session, and the recommended frequency. It's also a good idea to speak with the management about their massage techniques to see if they are a good fit for your needs. If you have any health-related concerns, don't be afraid to share them with the staff. In many cases, the therapist will be able to work around any issues to ensure you get the most out of your session. Incorporate breathing exercises One way to fully benefit from your massage is to incorporate breathing exercises into your session. Doing so can help you relax, lower anxiety, and feel less stressed. One breathing technique you can try is to inhale through your nose for a count of three and exhale through your mouth for a count of five. Another way to incorporate breathing exercises into your massage is to ask your therapist to incorporate stretching exercises that involve breathing. If you want to make the most out of these exercises, it's a good idea to let your therapist know that this is something you are interested in. Not all massage therapists incorporate breathing exercises into their sessions, so you may want to let them know that this is something you are interested in to ensure they incorporate it into your session. Ask for pressure-point work Many people are unaware that massage therapists are trained to work with pressure points known as trigger points. These trigger points are areas of the body that are more sensitive than others, such as muscles that have become inflamed. In many cases, massage therapists will focus on these pressure points to relieve pain and enhance your overall health. If you have pain in particular areas of your body, it's a good idea to let your therapist know about these areas so they can focus on them during your massage. In many cases, massage therapists will work with these pressure points during the course of the massage, but if you want extra attention on a specific area, it's a good idea to ask. Don't be afraid to speak up and request what you want Another important aspect of making the most out of your massage is to let the therapist know how you'd like the massage to be performed. For example, you may want your massage to include more stretching or focus on a specific muscle group. You may also want to let your massage therapist know if there are any areas that you'd prefer to be avoided. It's important to note that every massage therapist has their own style and approach, so while there are some general recommendations, every session will be different. If there is something you want or don't want during your massage, don't be afraid to speak up. Conclusion Massages are an excellent way to relieve stress, improve your overall health and even boost your mood. Before booking your first massage, it's a good idea to research your options and speak with the staff at a few different studios. You can also incorporate breathing exercises into your massage to maximize its benefits. Finally, don't be afraid to let your massage therapist know what you want out of your session.