Hygge (And How To Not Electrocute Yourself In The Bathtub)

I do a lot of computer work in the bathtub. (Full battery, no charger connection.) As a matter of fact that's where I am right now. Why do I spend so much time in the bath?  If you are a regular clients of ours you know it's because of Epsom Salts. But also:

Hygge

While I should have been tidying our books and updating staff bios, I was actually perusing our Facebook feed (what do you guys do at work??) and came across a New Yorker story about Hygge. The danish idea of a feeling of coziness is exactly what got me into this bath and like the writer of the story who orders 3 new blankets online because hers is too bumpy, can't find the right scent of candle, and leaves the heat on in her apartment with the window open, I'm struggling with how to execute it.

I think I first came across the idea from a documentary that also mentioned the feeling of flow increasing your overall happiness . I'd link to it but I don't have time to go back and watch the whole thing to make sure I'm citing it correctly so y'all just have to trust me. (As a side note, Happy is a really inspiring film.) My takeaway:

Flow + Hygge = Happiness

Well I've got the flow part down. That's my job! In massage school there's a little evaluation sheet after each clinic shift and Flow is one of the main criteria you'll be judged on. Of course, flow as an intention toward happiness is a little more involved but I really do feel I experience it on a daily basis. Basically, if you can move through your day easily, understanding the expectations and demands and it's within your capabilities to meet them, that's flow. I feel great about the work I do! I do feel like I can meet the expectations and demands of each of my clients and I always leave my sessions feeling refreshed, solid, and like we did GOOD work in there. 

That leaves Hygge.

I understand it to mean feeling cozy and comforted always. So I submerge myself in warm water while I do all my computer work. #AmIDoingItRight? I have no idea.

What I know is that we have very cozy rooms, table warmers at the ready, soft heavy blankets, and excellent Flow ratings on all of our evaluations in massage school. So while I may have to bring my computer in to the Apple store for water damage tomorrow, you can come experience Flow+Hygge in any of our massage rooms, anytime. We've got your perfect equation for happiness.

Recovery Massage

Many clients have asked me how soon after an event or training they should get a recovery massage.  The answer: AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!  Follow these steps and then get your butt in here.

1) Catch your breath.  During physical exertion your body is holding a lot of oxygen in your blood cells.  Take the time to breathe deeply and allow your heart rate to slow.  Your blood vessels will have the time to contract to their resting size.

2) Re-hydrate and nourish yourself.  Treat yourself to a chocolate milk, coconut water and a balanced carb and protein bar.  Your body will need to stock back up on its electrolytes and protein which will allow you to have an easier recovery.

3) Stretch.  Yes, you are warmed up after an event or training.  But that doesn't mean that your muscle fibers are lengthened.  Running and lifting mean that many of your muscles are in a state of contraction and the muscle fibers are shortened.  By stretching and thengthening the fibers, you're ensuring that any lactic acid build-up with be less concentrated.

4) Get your massage!  This is even better than the dreaded ice bath. Lactic acid shows up in your body to protect areas that have been exerted. An ice bath prevents lactic acid from moving in to those areas.  However, a recovery massage facilitates the healing of those areas so that it is unnecessary for lactic acid to move in in the first place.  

While recovery massage is one of the best ways to prevent pain and injury, it is also important to set up a maintenance program that will assist you in preventing injury and increasing performance throughout your athletic endeavors.  You can speak with your therapist to set up a program that caters to your activity, time, and budget.