Warm summer weather means many things: tons of outdoor activities, working in the garden, being up and on your feet much more than the previous months have allowed you. Unfortunately, the extra fun also means sore, aching muscles, exhaustion, and the need for some serious TLC.

Here are just a few reasons why massage benefits you during the summer:

Increased Exercise
Sunny days and only a few short months to enjoy them means your muscles are out doing more work than they are used to, and in a short period of time. There are tons of opportunities to overwork your muscles; massage can help reduce aches and pains related to sore, strained, or pulled muscles resulting from increased exercise during summer. Getting regular massages helps your muscles stay limber, reduces inflammation, and lessens the chance of injury.

Stress
Stress happens regardless of the season. With kids at home to entertain, endless plans and vacations, work and bills and the same daily stressors, summer is rough on the body and mind. If you are feeling especially stressed, even just one massage session will help release tension and give you a chance to relax.

Swelling of Joints and Limbs
Many people suffer from increased swelling and discomfort in the summer months, due to the heat, humidity, and static accumulation of fluids. Massage can help increase circulation throughout your entire body, joints and limbs included (where swelling is most common). Lymphatic massage is specifically designed to push fluids through the body, releasing the build-up of toxins and keeping circulation flowing to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Yard Work
Whether you enjoy working on the lawn or in your garden, yard work really takes a toll on your body. Pulling weeds, pushing a lawn mower, raking the soil – all equal a sore lower back and shoulders. Massage therapy can help reduce inflammation in these areas and relieve pain. Specific trigger point therapy can offer significant pain relief for these areas and get you back out in the yard in no time.

Self-Care
The truth is, there is really no bad time to get a massage (certain medical conditions aside). However, the summer is often one of the busier times of year. Plans and activities seem to fill every box of the calender, giving yourself little time for TLC. Now is a great time to book a massage for you time. Relax, it’s summer!