Stressed out? Overwhelmed? Too many demands?

The pace of life today is insane. In fact, it’s making people unhappy and sick. 

According to some estimates, between 70%-80% of all visits to the doctor are

for symptoms that are caused by or related to stress.

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your spouse is get stress

out of your lives. 

Here are two great ways for you and your spouse to help each other relax and

de-stress: 

1. Back massage
2. Foot massage

Giving one another back and foot massages will boost immunity, relax

the body, sharpen the mind, and strengthen your bond.

So let's get to it!

THE BACK MASSAGE
Here’s your tip sheet for a great, relaxing massage:

1) Schedule enough time. Rushing creates more stress.

2) Turn off your phones. This is your time. Shut the world out.

3) Dim the lights, play some music, light a candle. Relax!

4) Prepare the “massage table”. Could be a mattress or pillows on the floor. 

Follow these steps to give a relaxing, soothing back massage:
   * apply warm cream or oil to your spouse’s shoulders and back
   * massage in slow, circular motions
   * give attention to muscles that run parallel to the spine
   * give attention to the lower neck and upper back muscles
   * give attention to the muscles that stretch from the spine to the sides
   * give attention to the lower back muscles

Your Technique 

Start at the base of the spine and slide your hands upwards toward the

shoulder blades.

Repeat about ten times and then massage the muscles on either side

of the spine in small circles. Use your thumb or the heel of the hand to

apply medium pressure where necessary.

Granted, this isn’t the same as booking an afternoon massage at your

favorite day spa but it WILL de-stress your spouse, boost their immune

system, sharpen their mind, sooth their muscles, and strengthen your

relationship.

Almost everyone I know loves a good foot massage especially at the end

of a long, tiring day. But you need to know what you’re doing. 

Here’s your tip sheet for a great, relaxing foot massage:

1. Using your fingertips, knead the muscle tissue of your spouse’s feet in

a circular motion to get the blood flowing to all corners of the feet. 

2. Apply moderate pressure when massaging the bottom of the feet to

prevent tickling. 

3. On the top of the feet, rub and stroke from the base of the toes to

the ankle. Repeat about 10 times. 

4. On the underside of the feet, run your hands from the base of the toes

to the heel.  Repeat about ten times. 

5. Finally, gently rotate the foot five times in each direction.

Here’s what you need to do next: Check your calendar and do your

best to schedule a massage for you to give your spouse sometime

in the next fourteen days.

Or, if you prefer, schedule a massage for you AND your spouse at

your favorite day spa to enjoy this together as a couple.

Either way, massage is not a guilty pleasure. It’s a great way to keep

your mind and body healthy.

And with less stress in your life, your marriage will be happier, too! 

Until next time this is Mike & Gayle Tucker and we want

you to be mad about marriage!