5 Tips for National Relaxation Day

How are you commemorating August 15, National Relaxation Day? (Yes, it's a thing.) EDGE asked Massage Envy for five tips to unwind and here's what the experts at the national wellness franchise had to say.

1. Make self-care a daily habit.
"Seventy-seven percent of people in the United States regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, according to Stress.org. Stress can zap our productivity and sometimes even make us sick. The irony is that what's causing our stress -- the pace of life and the never-ending demands -- are the very things that keep us from doing something about it. We're busy taking care of business, and for many of us, self-care is one of the first things that come off our list. I think that's a big mistake and comes with a heavy cost, which is why I dedicate time every day, to taking care of myself no matter what's going on. That might be a massage, but it can also be a run outdoors or a walk on the beach or just talking to my kids. The point is to make it a daily habit." - Joe Magnacca, CEO of Massage Envy

2. Make the most of "me time."
"Wellness requires taking time for yourself, so be sure that you are making the most of your "me time." For example, whenever I get a massage at Massage Envy I like to enhance my session by adding a CyMe Boost serum. These highly concentrated formulas are mixed in with the massage oil or cream and deliver skin enhancing benefits to the entire body. By adding this one small addition to my massage session I am able to take care of my skin, mind and body at the same time." - Beth Stiller, Chief Commercial Officer of Massage Envy

3. Focus on total body care.
"When talking to clients about relaxation I love to express the importance on total body care. I think clients get to experience complete relaxation whenever a dual service is booked. This allows for both massage and skin therapists to enhance and focus on providing a complete and total body relaxation. Whenever I try to relax I love to book a 90-minute healthy skin facial. It allows my skin professional to go in depth with my skin and my concerns all while allowing myself to completely relax and enjoy the benefits of a facial." - Diana Durazo, Lead Esthetician for Massage Envy

4. Adjust your wellness routine based on your stress level.
"Chronic stress can cause an over production of "stress hormones" which can lead to sleeplessness, headaches and even digestive problems. If a client is going through a particularly stressful time, I like to recommend that they come in for a massage every week if possible. This will help limit the physical effects of stress since regular massages have been proven to decrease cortisol and get us back to balanced." - Melissa Johnson, Lead Massage Therapist, Massage Envy

5. Take time to just breathe.
"Breathing seems obvious but sometimes when you're stressed your body forgets to breathe normally. Taking a second to do some deep breathing naturally relaxes your muscles and in turn, your mind." - Hailey Ostrom, Professional Golfer & Massage Envy Ambassador