With the holidays approaching faster than my toddler can empty a toy box, let’s talk about something I’ve learned both as a massage therapist and as someone who’s been through the holiday hustle.
The Holiday Reality Check
Let’s be real – between gift shopping, family dinners, and trying to make everything magical, our bodies take a serious beating. Those shopping bags? They’re basically dumbbells with price tags. The endless standing in checkout lines? Hello, lower back pain. And don’t get me started on the mental gymnastics of keeping everyone’s schedules straight.
Here’s what I’ve seen in my treatment room year after year: clients who keep up with their regular massage appointments sail through the holidays with way more energy and way fewer “I need a vacation from my vacation” moments.
What Holiday Stress Actually Does to Your Body
The holidays create this perfect storm of physical stress that most people don’t even realize is happening:
- Shopping marathons = shoulder and neck tension from carrying bags and hunching over lists
- Kitchen marathons = lower back pain from standing and bending
- Decorating adventures = arm and upper back strain from reaching and lifting
- Mental load = tension headaches and disrupted sleep
As someone who has been blessed to be able to expand SKP Massage to include four amazing therapists, I’ve seen this pattern across hundreds of clients. The ones who stay consistent with their massage schedule? They’re the ones actually enjoying the holidays instead of just surviving them.
The Science Behind Holiday Massage (From Someone Who Knows)
Look, I could throw around terms like “cortisol reduction” and “increased serotonin,” but here’s what really matters: regular massage during high-stress periods helps your body process everything more efficiently. It’s like having a reset button for your nervous system. The science backs this up – research shows how the body responds to stress, and how massage therapy may help.
Beyond just feeling good, here’s what I’ve observed:
- Better sleep when your muscles aren’t constantly tense
- Stronger immune system when you’re exposed to every germ at family gatherings
- More energy to actually enjoy the celebrations
- Faster recovery from all that extra physical activity
My Holiday Massage Game Plan
After 16+ years of helping clients navigate the holidays, here’s what actually works:
Pre-Holiday Prep: One session right before Thanksgiving sets your baseline Mid-Season Maintenance: One between Thanksgiving and Christmas keeps you going strong Post-Holiday Recovery: One right after New Year’s helps you reset for the new year
Real Talk: What I See Every Holiday Season
Here’s what happens every single year: November rolls around and my phone starts ringing off the hook. First it’s the “I think I might need a massage” calls. By December? It’s full-on “I can’t turn my head and I’m supposed to host 20 people tomorrow” emergencies.
The clients who planned ahead? They’re the ones gliding through holiday parties looking like they actually slept. The “I’ll wait until January” crowd? They’re calling me from their car in the mall parking lot, asking if I have any emergency appointments. Don’t be that guy. Set yourself up for success now so you can actually enjoy the season you worked so hard to create.
The Bottom Line
Here’s what I want you to know: taking care of yourself during the holidays isn’t indulgent – it’s strategic. When you’re not running on empty, when your body doesn’t hurt, when you’re not exhausted – that’s when you can actually enjoy the magic you’re working so hard to create.
My clients who prioritize their wellness bring more joy to their family gatherings, have more patience with their kids, and actually remember the holidays with fondness instead of just exhaustion.
This season, give yourself permission to take care of you. Your body (and your family) will thank you.
Book your holiday sessions early – my schedule fills up fast this time of year, and with our team of four amazing therapists, we want to make sure we can take care of everyone who needs it.
Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy, not just obligations!
Stephanie
Owner & Licensed Massage Therapist, SKP Massage
P.S. New to SKP Massage? Welcome! We’ve grown to four incredible therapists who each bring their own special touch to help you feel your best this holiday season. Book now!
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