If you can’t relax during a massage, you won’t reap the benefits of getting massaged – such as lower blood pressure, prevention of colds, enhanced skin tone, and reduced anxiety and stress. These tips on how to relax during a massage will increase your emotional and physical health.

One of the best ways to relax during a massage is to wear Wireless Headphones, such as the ones pictured. This way, you don’t feel the need to make conversation – which I always do – and you won’t feel weird about the silence between you and the registered massage therapist. And, you can listen to what you want!

Getting a full-body massage from a registered massage therapist is one of the healthiest things you can do for your mind, body, and soul. But if you can’t relax during the massage, then it won’t be nearly as effective. So, take lots of deep breaths, and enjoy the touch of a professional, registered massage therapist.

“Massage used to be considered an unnecessary luxury,” writes Larry Costa in Massage: Mind and Body. “Today, it is valued as one of the most effective methods of combating stress and inducing relaxation, but also for its many other physical and mental benefits, including expelling toxins, relieving muscle soreness, increasing flexibility, easing chronic pain, reducing tension headaches, boosting the immune system, promoting restful sleep, and improving concentration.”

If you can’t afford a professional massage (I pay $90 an hour, but it’s worth it), get a book on massage. You don’t need a partner to give and receive relaxing, effective massages – you can exchange massages your sister, friend, or parent.

6 Ways to Relax When You’re Getting a Massage

Let go of the need to make conversation. I have to keep reminding myself that I don’t need to talk to my massage therapist when she is giving me a massage – just like I don’t need to talk to my hair stylist when she is cutting my hair! If you can’t relax during a massage because you need to make your therapist feel comfortable, then you need to remember that she is doing her job. Your job is to relax and let her get to work. Don’t distract her with conversation, or she’ll hit a pole.

Repeat a mantra, affirmation, or prayer. The first few times I went to my massage therapist, I repeated the words “freedom” and “forgiveness” to myself, over and over. It distracted me from thinking (and thinking is what makes one feel awkward while getting a massage). This tip on how to relax during a massage requires a bit of advance preparation. That is, you should set your mantra or affirmation prior to getting the massage – and avoid the stress of having to think one up while you’re trying to relax.

Don’t talk during the massage. This is a tough tip for me – but it’s one of the most relaxing ones! When I talk to my massage therapist, my mind is all over the place. I’m thinking, planning, remembering, and relating to her. That does not help me relax. I’d much rather be silent, completely quiet, when I’m getting massaged. If your massage therapist is a talker and you feel awkward asking her to be quiet, try a new one. Talking isn’t relaxing (unless perhaps you’re an extrovert!).

Remember that you’re not the first, and you won’t be the last. Do you feel uncomfortable when getting a professional massage from a registered massage therapist? If so, you’re not alone. I couldn’t really relax until my fifth or sixth massage. I still feel a bit awkward sometimes, especially when I remember I forgot to shave my legs! But I keep telling myself I’m not the first body she’s ever massaged. And, my body is no worse or better than any other body…she’s seen it all.

Keep your eyes closed. When your eyes are open, you’re more likely to be distracted. Your eye movements keep you alert and focused on what’s happening in the room – not on the therapeutic touch of the massage of therapist. This isn’t just how to relax during a massage, it’s a relaxation tip for meditation and yoga, too.

The Complete Book of Massage is a bestselling massage book on Amazon, probably because it’s a comprehensive guide with step-by-step instructions. If you can’t afford a professional massage (I pay $90 an hour, but it’s worth it) or you know you’ll never know how to relax during a massage, get a “do it yourself” book. You don’t need a partner to give and receive relaxing, effective massages – you can exchange massages your sister, friend, or parent.

Focus on your breathing. One of the best ways to relax during a massage is to focus on the in and out of your breathing. Take deep breaths in – in fact, stop and take a deep breath right now! See how good it feels? Doesn’t it relax you, make you feel calmer and less stressed? When you’re getting a massage focus on breathing in and out. Notice the rhythm of your breath, what it sounds like, what it feels like to fill your lungs with air.

This is how I relax when I’m getting a massage: I keep reminding myself how effective massage is for curing common health ailments. Research proves that massage can prevent illness and improve the immune system…and it feels great!