As I have mentioned in many previous posts, self-care is a major and integral component of health and wellness, particularly during or after narcissistic abuse. I will be posting on various ways to implement self-care in a short series.
Today, the self-care topic is massage therapy. Whether you attend with a massage therapist, utilize massage tools or simply use your own hands, massage therapy can bring with it relief for muscle discomfort and tension, regardless of its origins. In the case of dealing with narcissists and their abusive behaviour, mental stress easily converts into physical discomfort in our muscles and other areas of the body. This can then create a cycle of abuse – stress – physical discomfort – lack of sleep from discomfort – mood and concentration issues from discomfort and fatigue – etc.
A massage therapist can assist greatly with helping us to achieve relief from muscle issues. We can also use our hands to manipulate a knot, sore spot or trigger point in the neck, shoulders, back or anywhere on the body that we can reach. There are also many devices available for at-home use. This is one that I use myself (purchased from Amazon – click on link below for further information):
This model is a shiatsu back and neck massager with optional heat. It does an amazing job of loosening tight, sore muscles (just be sure to read the manual prior to use). I’m always impressed with how quickly my mental state improves once I achieve full or partial relief from pain and discomfort on a physical level. And I like the fact that I can do this whenever I need to because it’s a DIY type of self-care.
Our bodies, minds, emotions and spirits are intricately connected. It’s important to take care of ourselves because this will help to carry us through whatever comes our way in life. As I’ve mentioned in past posts, it is especially integral to stay strong while in a relationship with a narcissist, if you are thinking of leaving a narcissist, if you are in the process of leaving a narcissist, or after leaving a narcissist. And, as always, support systems are another incredibly important facet of journeying through difficult and challenging experiences.
Until next time,
Heather ~Natural Clarity Coaching~ www.naturalclaritycoaching.com na********************@***il.com Natural Clarity Coaching on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
*Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission if you click on the link in the post and purchase the item.*
