5 Tips for the Perfect Health and Wellness Resolution Plan

 The time has come to reflect on the year that was in 2020 and begin making plans for 2021. It’s officially the time of the season for New Year’s Resolutions. How do you go about making your resolution? Do you think about a couple of things such as lose weight or save money, or is your goal to get a new job? 

Before you start throwing around ideas, stop and think for a minute about how you are going to make your resolution happen. The first thing you should do is lay out a plan for your resolution plan. Having a plan for your health and wellness resolutions will give you a better chance at making your resolution a reality. 

Use these tips to make your resolution actually last: 

Make a Measurable Goal 

One of the biggest reasons why people give up on their resolutions is that they create goals that are vague or completely out of reach. If there is a particular goal, you will be more motivated to meet it. Think of it as a finish line that you’ll push yourself to cross. Rather than saying, “I want to lose weight in 2021,” say, “I want to lose 10 pounds in 2021.” 

Set Short-Term Goals Along the Journey

Create short-term goals along with your yearly goals. Having a shorter goal offers you a “check-in” point. It will give you time to assess where you’re at with your resolution. If you’ve fallen off your track, then you can adjust and get back to your goals. When you achieve your smaller goal, you’ll be motivated to continue your path. 

Reward Yourself 

Don’t forget to plan to reward yourself as you accomplish minor achievements along the way. Celebrating your wins will help you keep going and achieving your overall big picture goals. After all, the point of a resolution is to improve something about yourself, keep it positive as you move through the year. 

Will Your Resolution Make you Happy?

It seems like a silly question, but make sure that your resolution will make you truly happy. Actually take a moment to think about it when you’re making your plan; will this truly make me happier? If the resolution is not significant enough to you, it’s that much easier for you to forget about it. 

Don’t Obsess, Prioritize

While it’s important to keep your New Year’s Resolutions as one of your top priorities, it’s also important not to obsess over them. Only check yourself when you set your goal dates, not every day. For example, if you’re trying to lose weight, you won’t see results if you step on the scale every day. This could lead to you getting depressed and giving up on your resolution if you do not see big results. And don’t let your resolution consume your life either. Wait to check your short-term goals to check your status. 

When creating your health and wellness resolutions, remember you’re doing this to make improvements for yourself, to make yourself happier. Use these tips to make a New Year’s Resolution plan, make sure you incorporate regular massage therapy into your plan, for a healthier, more relaxed 2021. 

How Massage Therapy and Healing Touch Benefits Weight Loss

 Millions of Americans will attempt to start their 2021 with a weight loss-focused resolution. Before you tackle your weight loss challenge, have you thought about incorporating regular massage therapy into your fitness plan? We all know that there are many benefits to regular massage therapy, but you might be surprised that massage therapy has many positive benefits for weight loss. 

Help with Weight Loss

In addition to healthy eating and regular workouts, specialized massage techniques can help you with your weight loss goals. Massage therapy breaks down subcutaneous fat that will help you get rid of unwanted cellulite. When you’re losing weight your body is working hard; massage therapy can help heal your muscles and treat the body pain you have to endure throughout your journey. After a relaxing massage, your body will feel recharged and ready to get back to work. 

A Partner in Your Corner

Losing weight is one of the most challenging things for you to accomplish. Going at it alone is tough. If you have a personal trainer, you’ll have someone in your corner helping to guide you along the way. Your massage therapist is also another great resource for support. You can talk to your therapist about your body, your concerns and any pain you might have. They’ll customize a massage to you, and they’ll be there to cheer you on throughout your weight loss challenge. 

Reward Yourself

One of the key ingredients to a successful weight loss plan is rewarding yourself for small accomplishments. Along with the health benefits, receiving regular massage therapy will act as a way to reward yourself for meeting a goal. Relax your body with massage after a tough workout as well as heal your mind. Losing weight is not just a physical change, as it also requires a mental change in attitude. After all, you’re changing your entire lifestyle, which is stressful. Massage therapy will ease your stress and allow yourself to reconnect with your mind and get rid of any negativity that might exist. 

There’s no hiding that losing weight is a challenging mission and it’s important to have a good plan in place. Consult with me before you begin your training regimen. We'll create a custom massage therapy program that will help you meet your weight loss goals.

Another therapy to consider while on your weightloss journey is Healing Touch. The following are areas in which Healing will help. 

Reducing Stress 

A study published in November 2016 in Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem found healing combined with massage led to a 21 percent reduction in anxiety levels, compared with a 16 percent reduction for massage alone. How does destressing help your weight-loss efforts? According to Harvard Health Publishing, stress is linked to weight gain because increased stress levels release the hormone cortisol, which amps up your appetite. Oftentimes, your go-to foods when you’re stressed will be unhealthy comfort foods that are high in fat, sugar, calories, or all of the above. Eating these kinds of food actually makes you become hungrier a short time later, so the cycle of increased calories continues.

Promoting Quality Sleep 

Although there’s no solid research showing this benefit, but better-quality sleep is one of the possible benefits of healing touch. That, in turn, could help your waistline the same way stress reduction does: by promoting healthier food choices. Normal-weight adults who are deprived of sleep for only a short period of time will have a boost in hormones that encourage eating high-fat and high-sugar foods. A review and meta-analysis published in November 2016 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found sleep deprivation led people to consume 385 extra calories per day, on average, which can lead to weight gain over time.

Increased Mindfulness 

The Healing Touch benefit helps if called upon while eating. By not engaging in distracted eating, such as snacking while driving or watching TV, you may make better food choices. A review published in March 2018 in Current Obesity Reports says mindful eating can help with portion control and reduce food cravings, body weight, and BMI.

3 Ways Massage Benefits Dry Skin

 There’s no doubt that the cooler temperatures and dry air of winter can play havoc on your skin. Dry, chapped skin isn’t just uncomfortable or painful — it is unhealthy and can form lines and wrinkles. The bottom line is it will make you seem older than you are, and nobody wants that. Prepare your skin with massage therapy so that you can reduce the dryness and keep your skin looking healthy and young this winter. 

Hydrate 

Massage therapy is great for your entire body, but it is especially good for your skin. When you receive your massage, the oils used will hydrate your skin. Using oils that are rich in nutrients such as vitamin E, jojoba, sesame, primrose, and almond will help introduce moisture into your skin. 

Rejuvenate 

In addition to adding moisture to your dry, chapped skin, a massage will exfoliate your skin. By getting rid of dead skin cells, your skin will be able to absorb the oils and nutrients from the massage oils much more effectively. With the dead skin gone, your skin will have a rejuvenated natural glow and softer touch.

Refreshed 

We all know that regular massage therapy helps you naturally feel better. In the harsh conditions of winter, an appropriate massage will help your skin heal and prepare it for the conditions it will face. Healthy skin will help you feel refreshed and relaxed. 

See you soon!

Nancy McShane

McShane Massage

The Importance of a Healthy Aura Field

Why is it important to Understand at the Function of a Healthy Aura

 Our Aura is our first line of defense. It lets us know when something is awry. Some people call it a "gut" response but our aura does trigger us to be able to sense in whatever way is right for us, what is going on and if it is safe for us to participate.  

When our energy field is strong we are healthy and vibrant. Our aura is smooth strong, colorful and can light up a room or put someone at peace. We experience a collective good and become aware of our existence as part of the whole. We are able to perform all you need to do.

Successful balanced people have healthy auras. They have opportunities that they created by keeping a high vibration. They have focus and the ability to tap into higher universal consciousness for all their needs to be met.

An unhealthy aura is usually thin, gray or dark, there are holes in it and it can be spikey or choppy thick in some areas and thin in others. The person may not feel well, or be experiencing some sort of imbalance. They could be grieving or depressed. Sometimes consciousness is handed down, hereditary consciousness that manifests later in life as all kinds of maladies. People who are addicted to mind altering substances can often have holes in their aura. People with holes in their aura are often subjected to the negative projections of others as well as entity and psychic attacks from other resonating dimensions. Most times it is the self-diminishing thoughts projected onto the self that begins or contributes largely to this process. We always have this very moment to decide to accept and project loving, validating, accepting thoughts for the self. No one person is as powerful as the "self". You are the most powerful person in your life

 Massage the Natural Relief

 for the Common Cold

We all know the feeling; it starts with a scratch on the back of the throat, then you’re tired, and then you cough. Yep, you’ve got a cold. It's a pretty common feeling around this time of year, between your children bringing germs home from school and the added stress of the season changing — it is a popular time for the common cold to just pop into your life. However, before you reach for the over the counter decongestants and cough medicine — try some natural cold relief like massage therapy. 

Heal with Stress Relief 

Did you know that stress is one of the most harmful things to your immune system? When the seasons change, we are more susceptible to colds because we all have a little more anxiety and stress. Regular massage therapy promotes deep breathing that helps lower your stress levels as well as your blood pressure. While reducing your stress, massage also increases endorphins that work to build up your immune system to help you fight off the pesky cold. 

A Quick Recovery 

If you do get a cold, massage therapy can also help you recover faster. Massage increases the flow of blood and fluids that help nourish your body. Increasing blood flow also helps your body fight off germs and toxins in your system and contributes to removing any waste or germs from your body. If your cold symptoms include congestion in your head and chest, you’ll also feel relief and notice draining after your massage. 

Although massage is good for colds, it’s also important to be mindful of your massage therapist and communicate your symptoms. As always, drink plenty of fluids and get rest with a cold, especially after a massage. Massage therapy helps keep your immune system healthy and ready for the cold season. The next time you start sniffling, try a relaxing massage for natural cold relief.

4 Reasons Why Massage is the Best Gift Ever.

 A massage gift certificate tucked into a holiday card may seem unassuming, but the effects of this present will be powerful.

People turn to massage for stress relief, pain alleviation and relaxation, and massage is appropriate for just about anyone—from healthy adults to seniors and pregnant women to athletes. Massage therapy is also safe and beneficial for people living with conditions including cancer, fibromyalgia and arthritis.

This is why treating the people on your gift list to massage makes sense this holiday season. Regular massage clients will know what to look forward to, and for someone who has never had a massage, a gift certificate can make his or her first session more accessible.

Here are four reasons why massage should be at the top of your holiday gift list, along with suggestions for massage and bodywork specialties to present to friends, colleagues and family:

1. The Gift of Stress Relief

The holidays can be filled with family, friends, fun, food—and freneticism. Gift-buying, overeating and travel can leave any merrymaker feeling tired and stressed. Massage makes the best holiday gift because it calms the nervous system and provides an oasis of respite from the holiday frenzy.

Three types of massage to gift:

• Swedish massage: The most well-known type of massage, which utilizes strokes including stroking, kneading, percussion, vibration and friction.

• Stone massage: Heated or cooled stones are placed on the body for energy balancing and a pampering sensation that contributes to the relaxation response.

 

2. The Gift of Pain Removal

From hanging Christmas lights to digging the Hanukkah candles out of the basement, the holidays’ decorating activities can create strain, sprain and pain. Massage makes the best holiday gift because it addresses pain and stiffness by increasing circulation, improving flexibility, and releasing crinkles and tight spots from muscles.

Three types of massage to gift:

• Therapeutic massage: This session will feature techniques such as myofascial release, which affects connective tissue by applying pressure in the direction of fascial resistance.

 

3. The Gift of Raised Spirits

The holidays aren’t jolly all the time; family conflict, feelings of grief and other mood-stressors can arise, even in the midst of a Kwanzaa celebration. Massage makes the best holiday gift because it can boost mood. The release of the feel-good hormone, oxytocin, is increased during massage, as is the release of serotonin and dopamine.

Three types of massage to gift:

• Healing Touch: An energetic healing system that utilizes off-the-body hand placements to transmit healing energy from the practitioner to the recipient.

• Geriatric massage: This session will feature massage techniques modified for safe application to older people, who might arrive at a session with issues related to joint pain or fragile skin.

 

4. The Gift of Ease

Give yourself the gift of a super-simple present purchase. Massage makes the best holiday gift because professional massage therapists offer gift certificates for sale, via in-person sales, a website or a Facebook page. Whether you purchase now or at the last minute, your gift of massage will be the easiest gift you give this holiday season—and the most appreciated.

Three types of massage to gift:

• Pregnancy massage: This session will feature massage techniques modified for safe application to pregnant clients.

• Cold Stone massage: This session might entail lymphatic-drainage strokes to firm sagging facial and neck skin, ease away facial lines, stimulate blood and oxygen, and release toxins. The treatment can also involve hot towel wraps and oils.

Virtually anyone on your list will appreciate the gift of massage therapy this holiday season.

 

5 Tips: How to be a Good Holiday Gift Giver

 We all love the look of a person’s face when they receive the perfect gift. It’s even more satisfying if that look comes from a gift that you gave. You should pat yourself on the back, because holiday gift giving is no easy activity. How often do you end up “settling” for a gift and not getting the person the "perfect" item on their wish list? This leads to the question, are you a good holiday gift giver? If you’re not sure, here are a few tips. 

Listen and Take Notes 

One of the easiest things to do is listen to your friends and family. Everyone will drop subtle hints to what they want throughout the year. You’ll discover something they may want. Take a mental note, write it down or make a note on your phone. Then when it’s time to shop, you’ll be ready to surprise. 

Avoid Last Minute Shopping

We all say we are not going to shop last-minute, but for one reason or another, we all end up doing it. Shopping last-minute leads to stress, which leads to quickly picking something you think they’d like, and not something that you spend time thinking about and know for sure the person will love it. 

Don’t Forget to Wrap

Let your creativity run free when wrapping gifts. Unique wrapping makes the gift more memorable and creates more excitement for the person receiving the present. You could wrap with plain paper and draw a picture or write a note. Another idea would be to use a special bow that makes the gift stand out. If the gift inside is truly special, allow the wrapping to match. 

Write a Note

When was the last time you wrote a handwritten note to someone? With texting, emojis and IM there’s not a lot of personal touch that goes into messages these days. Take the time to write a handwritten, meaningful note and attach it to your gift.

Don’t Gift just to Gift

This goes without says, but it’s a good reminder. Make sure that your gift is something thoughtful and doesn’t just take up space in someone’s house. The last thing you want is to go for a visit and see your gift collecting dust. 

Use these tips to become a good gift giver. Because there isn’t a better feeling than knowing “that look” on a loved one’s face is because you got them the perfect holiday gift.

If you’re searching for ideas, there’s no better holiday gift than the gift of peace this holiday season.

Wishing you Tons of love and Happiness this Holiday Season.