​Quality time is hard to find!

Life is hectic, and time is precious for all couples. You probably spend a good amount of your day rushing through it: commuting to work, shuttling the kids, and running errands. And then there’s your time spent at home:. feeding the crew, cleaning everyone and everything, managing your finances The list goes on. Your significant other helps you juggle it all, but where’s room for romance. Roommates and caregivers often live together harmoniously and take care of business efficiently, but that certainly doesn’t constitute a love relationship.

Making time to spend quality time with the person you love might seem impossible some days, what with your,families bosses, and community demanding every spare moment. But time together is essential if you want a rich relationship that lasts for you at every turn.You might be in the same home, but how often do you actually take time to look at and appreciate each other? To speak to them with your full attention? Yes, it can be difficult, but making time for this is so important.

​How to Make More Time for Each Other

When you were dating, your relationship often may have sailed along on chemistry. However, over the long term, as everyday matters poke their heads in, a relationship needs committed maintenance. Everything in your life needs attention: your children and pets; your job; your house and car. Sadly, many people believe that a good relationship simply takes care of itself.

You and your significant other will benefit greatly from changing your mindset about what being a ‘partner’ means. Partners don’t act parallel to each other; they interact. Modern life makes it almost impossible to thrive on spontaneity. Investing time in your relationship isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength and character. So start here: spend formal quality time with your partner. Schedule a block of time for the two of you at least once a week. If necessary, arrange childcare during that time.

Whether it’s on Sunday morning or a weeknight, treat your appointment like any other obligation. Make a point of rescheduling if you miss a date and add it to your schedule; it shows you take your priorities seriously.

​Date Ideas for Long-Term Partners

You and your significant other haven’t taken time for each other lately, you may need some ideas new ideas for being together. Although physical intimacy is essential for a healthy relationship, it takes more than that to keep a couple together for the long haul.
Try some of the following tips on creating cherished moments as a pair consider:

​Fancy dining

Dressing up and going out is a great way to replicate those early days of dating. You may have gotten used to sharing Chinese takeaway at home—in sweatpants and no makeup. Making the effort to look nice shows that you still care.
If , going out for dinner isn’t possible right now, you can still make your partner a priority at mealtime. Cook together, freshen up before you sit down at the table, and take your time to enjoy the food and really talk without looking at your phones.

​First date (again)

If you live in or near the same city where you first met, go back to your first date spot. Recreate everything you did on that first date. Remember what you wore, ate, talked about, and felt. Notice what’s better the second time around. Remind yourselves why you chose each other for life.

​Talk time

Sometimes the greatest thing a couple needs is meaningful conversation. Your quality time could simply be a scheduled time to stalk without distraction—and about more than kids and bills.  Ask how your partner’s week has been going and how they’re feeling. Talk about bigger things, the things that matter to you as individuals. Review life goals. Verbalize dreams and passions.  Address any tension between the two of you, even if it feels awkward. Become genuinely interested in learning and how you can continue to support your partner.

​Game night

Your playful side—the one that may have been buried for months or years.. If gaming isn’t your thing, rent a movie and snuggle up to watch it with a tub of popcorn. But remember: children aren’t invited to this party!

​New adventure

If you’re at a loss for what to do together, try something new. Search for local events that might be fun, such as concerts, galas, art gallery exhibits, musicals, or anything else you might not usually consider. Even if what you choose isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll have gotten closer by learning something about each other.

​Double workout

Spend time together while getting in shape! This is especially important when one partner wants the other to lose a few pounds. Showing support in this way can make a huge difference. Schedule a few gym dates a week, or walk or run in the evenings. You could even sign up for a local race and train together.

​Couples massage

Not for special occasions only, couples massage benefits your relationship in many ways. It can make you feel more relaxed, more limber, and just plain sexier. It gives you a chance to talk if you wish, or encourages you to talk afterwards. In-home massage is a popular option for busy couples. You can send the kids for an overnight with friends or grandparents. Then continue your quality time all night.

Quality time is often hard to come by, but it’s a crucial aspect of a healthy relationship. This week, plan to make more time for your partner. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it can make for you both.

Treat Yourselves

Fear of undressing: Does Your Massage Therapist Judge Your Body?

Your shoulders are on fire, your back aches and your leg muscles are cramped; you desperately need the relief that only a good massage can provide, but you just can’t imagine actually letting someone see your body because you think it’s going to be rated, stereotyped and secretly ridiculed. Many people struggle with body image issues. If you’ve ever been terrified that your massage therapist will judge you for being overweight or having skin problems or less-than-perfect toes, you’re not alone. Although it might be hard to overcome your fear, worrying about how your therapist will judge you should never be a barrier that keeps you from getting the relief you need.

​Everyone Feels Vulnerable at First

No matter how many times you’re told that your flaws are not important to your massage therapist, you’ll probably still feel nervous when you first disrobe. After all, you are making yourself vulnerable and taking a risk in the hopes of transforming your health. Given the success rate of massage therapy, the risk is well worth it. If your reluctance is overwhelming, it may help to talk to your therapist about your concerns. If you fear being exposed to others accidentally, in-home massage sessions can eliminate the stress associated with being treated in public.

Your body is a beautiful machine. It deserves the many benefits of massage, so don’t let a few stray hairs or a little cellulite keep you from enjoying the best health possible. If you are still not able to shake off the fear of undressing, our therapist can perform a massage over your clothes and perhaps over time you can gain your confidence and create trust between you and the therapist to undress and fully enjoy your massage experience. Our professional and dedicated therapists will always respect and meet your comfort level wherever it may be.

I accept to receive news articles from Vivanti on wellness and massage therapy. My information will never be shared with a third party.

​The Many Restorative Effects of Massage Therapy

1. Massage stimulates blood circulation, which in turn delivers oxygen and nutrients to fatigued tissues; this enhances the body’s power to repair and rebuild itself and hastens the elimination of bodily toxins.

 2. Skillful massage serves as a passive substitute for muscle activity. It increases blood supply, relieves painful spasms, breaks up tissue adhesions and encourages muscle tone and elasticity. Massage helps muscle tissue obtain more regenerative power without exhausting it.

3. Waste products, which slow the healing and regeneration of tissues, are removed through lymph circulation. The passive joint movement and pressure over vessels and glands produced by massage encourages the flow of lymphatic fluids.

4. Massage encourages liver and renal activity, which also results in better waste metabolism and elimination of toxins.
Poor sleep quality due to chronic pain or stress can have profound effects on your body’s restorative abilities and your immune system. Massage is proven to relieve pain and encourage better sleep.

5. Mental and emotional fatigue are intimately connected with physical health. When you are under stress, your body responds by producing more of a hormone called cortisol. Excess cortisol in your body increases your blood pressure, suppresses your thyroid, lowers your immune response, decreases your muscle tissue and bone density and causes generalized inflammation. It can also increase blood sugar levels and slow wound healing.

Massage can decrease cortisol levels by as much as 50 percent. At the same time, it increases your body’s production of serotonin and dopamine, which help to stabilize your mood and fight depression. Reduced stress and normal cortisol levels allow your body to more easily restore itself and fight cell damage.

​​When Is It Time to Renew?

If your body is struggling to restore itself, it will tell you. You’ll probably notice symptoms such as physical and mental exhaustion, poor sleep, slow healing, unusual aches and pains, daytime fatigue and frequent colds. If you schedule regular sessions and tell your massage therapist about your symptoms, he or she can help your body restore itself to health. Continued therapy can play a huge part in optimizing and maintaining your quality of life for years to come.

I accept to receive news articles from Vivanti on wellness and massage therapy. My information will never be shared with a third party.

​Reflexology: What Is It, and How Does It Work?

1. Hormone imbalance

2. Stress and anxiety

3. Tension headache

4. Indigestion or nausea

5. Surgical recovery

6. Indigestion or nausea

7. Palliative care

8. Sports injuries

9. Insomnia

10. Constipation

11. Back Pain

What Does It Feel Like?

A reflexology treatment usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes. It begins with the reflexologist obtaining a medical history and a few details about your lifestyle and current symptoms. Next, you’ll remove your socks and shoes and recline on a massage table or in a comfortable chair. The reflexologist will examine and evaluate your feet. He or she will stimulate various points on the sole of each foot; this will help identify areas of tenderness and muscle tension.

To warm your feet up, brisk movements and moderate pressure are applied from the toes to the heel. Specific areas that need work then receive more intense treatment. Reflexology of the hand is conducted in a similar fashion. Treatments should not be painful. If you experience pain, alert your therapist immediately.

Is Reflexology Right for Everyone?

Most people can safely enjoy the benefits of reflexology. However, if you are pregnant or have foot sores, blood vessel disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions, you should consult your doctor before having a reflexology treatment.

Massage and Autism: A New Link to the Power of Touch

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication difficulties, social interaction problems and stereotypical repetitive behaviors. It often becomes apparent at a young age. When you have a child with autism, your daily life can become a challenge. Learning ways to communicate effectively and help your child live a full and happy life involves a lot of education, experimentation and patience. Small triumphs over negative behaviors are welcome rays of sunshine.

One frustrating autism symptom you may face is an aversion to touch. As a loving parent, it can be difficult to comprehend. Autistic children may react strongly to certain textures and completely fail to respond to physical affection. Although it may seem counterintuitive at first, massage therapy has been proven as an effective way to combat the symptoms of autism and break through the barrier that keeps autistic children from enjoying the benefits of touch that all humans need.

Autism Symptoms Reduced Through Massage Therapy

​Massage Therapy: Opening New Doors for Your Autistic Child

Learning simple massage techniques may be a way to reach your autistic child and help connect him or her to the world. It’s never too early to introduce massage to an autistic child. Response can occur at all ages including infancy. The process should begin slowly; you must take great care not to startle or agitate your child because this could produce an association between massage and fear or discomfort. Professional massage therapists who have experience working with autistic children can be a great resource. In-home massage sessions can ensure a familiar and relaxed atmosphere for both learning and receiving massage. Ask your child’s doctor, therapist or autism specialist about incorporating massage therapy into your child’s care program.

I accept to receive news articles from Vivanti on wellness and massage therapy. My information will never be shared with a third party.

You’ve had a rough day at work. Your shoulders burn, your neck aches, and your head feels like it will explode at any second. Sitting all day has left your lower back in knots, and all you can think about is how wonderful a nice massage would feel. But that, of course, is a luxury, or is it? Today’s stressful lifestyle leaves many people struggling with physical and mental symptoms that massage therapy can effectively eliminate. Should we really continue to view it as a luxury for the indulgent few?

​What is luxury?

​If you see your doctor for a painful infection, you’ll probably leave with prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medicine. Are either of these medications considered a luxury? They alleviate your symptoms, reduce your suffering and make you whole again. When you develop painful muscle spasms or adhesions due to stress or other triggers, professional massage therapy is one of the most effective ways to relieve your pain and improve your mobility.

In fact, it can even improve your general health by boosting circulation and enhancing cardiovascular and immune function. Why should anything so medically valuable be considered a luxury? With so many people suffering the effects of a hectic life, massage should really be considered a necessity; it removes barriers that prevent you from living normally and fully. Perhaps it is difficult for some to view massage as a practical form of healthcare because it is so enjoyable. You’ll never get the same blissful relaxation and relief from a visit to your general practitioner. Additionally, when you consider the cost of some common medical procedures, massage doesn’t seem so unattainable or luxurious from a financial perspective.

If you’ve been putting off a much-needed massage because you thought it was a selfish or gratuitous treat, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your definition of luxury. Schedule a home massage today. You’ll quickly realize that the real luxury is not massage itself, but rather how it enables you to enjoy life more than ever.

Everyone has days when it seems like nothing is worth the effort, but when every day feels like hopeless drudgery, you may be on the road to burnout. Fortunately, recovery is possible, and massage therapy can help.

​Recognizing Burnout

1. You’ve become short-tempered or impatient in situations that would not normally cause this behavior

2. You suffer unusual, vague aches and pains or other unexplained symptom

3 Your daily tasks seem either boring or overwhelming.

4. You feel physically or mentally tired despite adequate rest.

5. You’ve lost interest in a job or relationship you once cherished.

6. Your eating habits have become unhealthy, or you’ve lost your appetite.

7. Days seem identical or predictable.

Mechanical and Chemical Burnout Symptoms

Like stress from other causes, the long-term stress that leads to burnout has both physical and biochemical components. Muscle tension leads to burning pain in the shoulders, neck and back. Migraines, digestive problems, poor sleep quality and inadequate circulation are common. The excessive release of stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine has far-reaching negative effects on your health.

How Massage Therapy Aids in Burnout Recovery

Professional massage therapy combats burnout in several ways. It breaks the cycle of monotony with a soothing, relaxing experience that includes both skillful tissue manipulation for pain relief and the power of human touch to help ease emotional discomfort. An experienced massage therapist can loosen tight bands of connective tissue and work out knots or adhesions that cause chronic pain. Massage also improves circulation, heart rate and blood pressure. It’s been proven to improve sleep quality.

Massage can even counteract the effects of stress hormones and flood the body with the feel-good chemical serotonin, which eliminates stress and produces a profound feeling of calmness and satisfaction. Relieving physical pain and emotional distress can help the burnout victim feel re-energized and ready to take on their old role with renewed stamina. If your job, family role or other circumstances have left you feeling like there’s just no end in sight, don’t worry; there is.

Schedule a home massage today!