The Gift of Relaxation

Even before Halloween was over, store shelves were being stocked with Christmas items. As we rush through the stores, searching for just the right gift, plan where the aunts and uncles are going to sleep, and decide what will be on the holiday meal menu, tension creeps in. Our facial muscles begin to tighten up, then a ripple effect starts down our shoulders, down our backs and even to our toes. Holiday stress begins.

Through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we begin to feel frazzled and worn down. With all of the holiday parties, activities and visits from family and friends, it is hard to find a moment to yourself.

"November through January we are so busy rushing around that we need a reinitiating into rest. We need to remind ourselves what it is to rest," says Lisa Dorfi, a local massage therapist and instructor.

One way to escape the holiday madness and to take some time for yourself is through the personal touch of a massage or a facial.

"Massage is a time to be restful and focus on you. It is a time to sit still," says Dorfi. Relaxing is often viewed as wrong or lazy in our society. But we all need time to recuperate, time to return to a state of calmness. "Even after a massage is over, your mind has the ability to retain the state of calmness and return your body to that relaxing hour during times of stress. We are exposed to so many sights, sounds and information every day, it is almost toxic to our body." And this holds more true during the holidays.

Dorfi gives massages, and teaches self-help classes. "Massage for couples is a way to get to know one another better. It brings a real sense of sharing in the holiday season." A gift of relaxation is a wonderful personal gift but Dorfi cautions, "Don't buy someone a gift certificate without knowing the therapist and the person who you buy the gift for. Don't think just anybody is going to do the trick."

Dorfi recommends interviewing a perspective massage therapist if you haven't used them personally before giving someone a gift certificate. Ask if they would offer an alternative gift, if the recipient didn't feel comfortable getting a massage. "Find out if they would substitute the certificate for a facial or for skin care products." She also suggests that a good gift would be learning how to give a massage. Then present a basket to a loved one that included a massage certificate, massage oils and bath oils. Have the person take a relaxing bath with their new bath oils, then give them a massage.

A facial is also a wonderful way to relax and enjoy an hour or more just for yourself. Melody Rosenberg, a local esthetician, has been doing skin care for six years. She taught skin care classes and recently got her license. Rosenberg offers a range of services form a half-hour express facial to a two-hour European Facial.

"The skin is the largest organ in the body and gets rid of waste from your system," says Rosenberg.

In times of stress, our bodies have a more difficult time removing toxins from the body. A facial will help your body cleanse toxins, but will also help relax your facial muscles, which will in turn relax your entire body. Rosenberg stresses that when getting a facial, be sure the person is a licensed esthetician.

Rosenberg works with a lot more men than women, and says that women actually focus more on health and wellness of the skin rather than just visual beauty.

Rosenberg sees more people who develop allergies. "There are a lot of chemicals in cosmetics and in the environment." She will refer her clients to a dermatologist if something looks suspicious or in severe cases of acne. But, she says, "Doctors treat disease. They don't usually show you how to take care of your skin." Rosenberg feels that an advantage of visiting a licensed esthetician is that you can learn to take care of your skin. "After all, it's the only skin you'll ever have!"

Aromatherapy and music play a big part in relaxing, and are used in both facials and massages. The right scent can be very calming, such as lavender, or even stimulating, such as peppermint. Dorfi recommends setting up your home environment to be relaxing. "Set up your environment decoratively. Make your home tranquil. Play soothing music."

Dorfi adds, "Holidays are an interesting contradiction. We have high expectations. Everybody wants to lose weight in the three biggest eating months of the year. Everyone takes on too much personally."

The esthetician or massage therapist can act as a surrogate, to help you relax.

So slow down a little while you do your holiday shopping. Take a moment to stop and feel a soft sweater, or to smell something sweet. And if you still feel weary, take an hour just for yourself.