Decatur Alabama

A Meditation on Gratitude

Self-Care /

gratefulness-2016So lately I’ve noticed random posts from friends listing different things they’re thankful for. One of the Facebook business groups I follow posted an “advent calendar” for gratefulness for the month of November leading up to Thanksgiving. I’m not great at keeping up with stuff like that. I get too invested, my perfectionism kicks in, and I spend too much time worrying about things that don’t matter. So I read through all the different questions and moved on. One of the ones that stuck asked what smell I was grateful for?

At first I was stumped by this question. I’ll admit I’ve been thinking about it on and off for weeks. You see why I moved on from the daily calendar, it would take me all year to finish!

Anyway, what smell am I grateful for? I like a lot of smells. Food, herbs and spices top the list. But that’s too easy and if you pressed me I couldn’t pick just one. I like the smell of my dogs most days. Their musty, individual smells are comforting and warm. I’m thankful they don’t smell like some dogs I’ve met! I love the way my house smells after I mop the kitchen with Pine-sol or when the dryer is running.

And then I sort of forgot about the question altogether for a while because I was stalled trying to pick a favorite smell. One that wasn’t just a smell.

A few days ago, while I was on the table working with a client, out of the blue it finally hit me. I am grateful for the the smell of hot, stainless steel as it’s being rinsed in the sink. Kind of random and definitely odd, huh?

I don’t remember when I first noticed how good my stainless steel pots smelled as I washed and rinsed them. It’s been a while because I look forward to washing them now. But why? Why would anyone be thankful for the smell of hot, stainless steel? Because…

Because that stainless steel pot was a gift from my grandmother. She’s gone now and I’m so grateful for the frequent reminder of her and how she taught me so much about cooking and life and love.

Because there is hot water running from a tap and good soap to wash my dirty dishes with. I am lucky to live where I have access to the basics.

Because there was food in the pot to make it dirty and to fill my and my family’s bellies. I am fortunate to be able-bodied where I can work, earn, and provide food for my family.

Because I have a family to love and care for who loves and cares for me right back.

And that is when I realized what my favorite smell is and why I am grateful for it. Because family and love is what it’s all about and when I think about gratitude and what I am thankful for more often than not it circles back to love and family.

So what are you grateful for? And why?

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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When Voting Feels Like Punishment…

Self-Care /

i-voted-stickerLet’s talk about stress. A little stress is a good thing. It keeps our bodies working properly. The stress due to this hate-filled political climate, though. This is the bad kind of stress. The stress that gives people strokes and heart attacks. A few weeks ago news hit the airwaves about “Election Stress Disorder“. Apparently it’s a thing that has developed due to this never ending election cycle the media and social media delivers to us on a 24-hour basis.
So here are a few tips on how to keep your cool as the political shit storms rage:
  1. Turn off the TV/Facebook/Internet News Sources – The world is going to continue spinning no matter who wins
  2. Hug your significant other, kids, and/or dogs – Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that helps reduce stress and anxiety
  3. Get outside – Take advantage of our artificially shortened day (aka, time change) and get outside in nature. Studies show that spending time outside during the winter months has vast positive effects on mood
  4. Move your body – Just taking a walk and getting the blood moving can help reduce the levels of cortisol in the bloodstream helping to calm the raging beast
  5. Engage in flow – Flow is a state where your mind is engaged, but relaxed. It can be as simple as throwing the ball with your dog, knitting, or dancing. Anything that engages, but also relaxes.

So, get out and vote, just remember to keep your cool!

Let me know what you think if you try these and, as always, I’m available with some professional techniques to root out your stress if you need me.

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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Tips For Using MassageBook!

Business & Marketing for Massage /

massagebooklogoSince more of my clients seem to be using my online booking system through MassageBook, I wanted to take a few minutes and outline some pointers to make sure you’re getting the best service possible.

Tip #1: Login with the email address that you provided on your original intake form. This is how MassageBook will recognize you. If you change your email address, please let me know so I can change it in the system from my end. Using a different email address will make my system think you are a new client and won’t let you book online.

Tip #2: When you book your appointment online through MassageBook, you should receive a confirmation email almost immediately. Check your email to make sure the appointment you selected is reserved for you. If you don’t get a confirmation email, something went wrong. Try again or call / text me.

Tip #3: MassageBook will send you a confirmation email 24 hours before your appointment. If you don’t receive it please check your spam filter and if you still haven’t received it, give me a call to make sure your appointment time has been reserved.

Tip #4: Put the MassageBook email domain address on your spam filter whitelist or passlist. The email domain address you need to enter is, “appmail.2book.com”.

Tip #5: MassageBook will send you a confirmation text message 2 hours before your appointment. If you don’t receive it and you haven’t already talked with me, please contact me before driving to my office.

Okay, so there’s the biggest ones I can think of right now. If you have further questions about using MassageBook to make and manage your appointments, please give me a call and we can talk about it.

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Only Master Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

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Happy Anniversary, Harvest Moon Massage Therapy!

Business & Marketing for Massage /

Alabama Massage Therapy License, Harvest Moon Massage TherapyIt was just eight short years ago (technically August 22nd) when I finally became licensed in the State of Alabama!

Who knew way back then that it would take almost eight years to become a full-time massage therapist? Not me, but I don’t regret a minute of it. I love being a massage therapist and helping people get out of pain!

I am honored at how so many seek me out and trust me to help eliminate their pain and stress and then send their friends and family.

I’m sending out the biggest, “Thank You,” to my clients, family, and friends who have helped make this dream come true.

When I think about being a massage therapist two things from my past repeatedly come to mind. First, how my high school classmates decided that I, their class Valedictorian, would be most likely to become a beach comber. Some day I will do massage on a beautiful beach with the waves crashing in the background. Under my table will be the most impressive array of found objects, shells and driftwood. Imagine the photo opportunities!

And second, this quote from Louisa May Alcott that I chose to appear next to my senior yearbook photo, “Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” I’m so glad I followed and I’m so, so glad I reached this aspiration.

Thank You For Your Support!

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Barefoot Massage Specialist!

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Head Up, Young Person!

1 Comment / Self-Care /

Day_80_-_A_Pain_in_the_Neck_(2347498204)So this week has been a tough one so far. I’ve seen a lot of clients really hurting with upper back and neck pain. When I find myself making notes on who to send which video or exercise to I start to think it’s time for another self-care post.

I considered making this another round up of videos similar to the sciatic pain post, but it occurred to me that a discussion on awareness might be a better place to start.

Specifically, awareness about head forward position. Head forward is something that is talked about a lot and I know you’ve seen the 42 pound head graphics. I don’t know if my noggin weighs 42 pounds when I’m working on the computer, but I know it wreaks havoc on my upper back, neck and between my shoulder blades when I spend too much time with my head unaligned with my spine. And really that is all head forward position is about, the head not being aligned over the spine. In addition to the head, neck and upper back pain, head forward position can cause pinched nerves, rotator cuff issues and tight pectoralis muscles. Fun stuff, NOT!

So awareness being the key to combating head forward position, I’ve put together a list of times or activities I’ve caught myself or observed others with our heads hanging out in not so great positions.

Washing your hair

Next time you jump in the shower to wash your hair take a minute to notice where your head is while you’re shampooing away. Does your head hang down in front of your chest? If so, try lifting your head into an upright position and letting your arms reach up to your head. That’s three minutes you’re not in a head forward posture!

Brushing your teeth

Are you bending down over the sink? If so, stand up and bring your brushing hand up to finish the task. That’s three or four more minutes you’re not in a head forward posture! See where we’re going with this?

Driving

This one is a biggie. I see it all the time while driving. Someone zips by with their seat back slung way back and they’re neck is at a 45º+ angle. This is a different type of head forward position, but it’s still stressing all those back, neck and upper trap muscles. Think about how much time you spend driving with your neck bent.

Watching TV

You would think that relaxing and watching tv would be a no-brainer for head forward position, but I do it all the time. I’ll be sitting, enjoying a show, and suddenly realize I’m hurting. That’s when it occurs to me I must look like a turtle peeking out of his shell.

Side sleeping (fetal position)

Again you’d think sleeping would be a no-brainer, but it was the last bastion of neck pain for me. It took a long time to figure out, but my neck pain finally got so bad it was waking me up in the middle of the night. I would move and align my neck and head with my spine and the pain would stop. After a few weeks of trying to be really conscious of how I was sleeping the pain started to resolve. I even had relief down into my low back from changing my sleeping posture. There’s 6 to 8 hours more your neck could be in a painful position.

Texting or working on the computer

For texting or using a handheld device, try raising your hands and the device up to eye level instead of looking down. For computer use, raise the monitor to eye level. If you’re like me, even then you’ll have to guard against leaning the head forward in anticipation of all the goodness that monitor is going to deliver.

Studying

It’s all about the looking down with the studying. Try raising the book with a desktop book stand to get the head in more of an upright position.

Walking

I had never thought about head forward position in relation to walking, but recently I went to a walking track and watched several people who were walking for fitness with extreme head forward posture. All I could think of was whether their neck and back hurt all the time.

Now That You Know!

So now that I’ve inundated you with a bunch of ways to be more aware of where your head is in the universe, here are a few tips to help start getting the head aligned over the spine.

  • Drop your chin. This seems counterintuitive, but by dropping the chin a primal reflex kicks in causing you to automatically adjust your neck so your eyes point forward
  • Set your cellphone to alert you several times a day to check where your head is. Just being reminded to check in will help with long term awareness
  • Press your head back into your pillow, headrest, the couch, etc. a couple times a day, be gentle these muscles may not have been activated in a while
  • Get a massage or do some self-massage on the upper back (foam roller, tennis balls, etc.)
  • Read this article about Cracking the Walnut and try strengthening your upper back
  • Imagine having a string attached to the top of your head and that someone is pulling you upright. Use this visualization to adjust your posture several times a day until it begins to feel natural.

So I hope these suggestions and tips help you to be more aware of the position of your head and neck and also help you increase the amount of time you live with better alignment. The end game is less pain through healthy choices and smarter posture.

Be good to yourself and as always my table is available to you if you need me!

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur’s Only Master Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

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It’s a Party and Everyone’s Invited!

Community /

LuLaRoe-Popup

Join us for a Pop-Up Boutique featuring LuLaRoe Comfort Clothing, Premier Designs Jewelry, door prizes, giveaways, “Book Now” specials, and refreshments!

When: Friday, August 5th from 4-6pm
Where: 1900 Flint Road, Decatur, AL

RSVP on Facebook or just drop in!

It’s going to be a lot of fun so don’t miss our very first pop-up boutique experience at Harvest Moon Massage Therapy!

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur, Alabama’s Original Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

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Out, Out, Damned Sciatic Pain!

1 Comment / Self-Care /

Sciatic NerveOh sciatic, you are wreaking havoc among friends, family and clients right now so I am officially declaring war. When I keep seeing and hearing about sciatic issues it’s time for me to do something. So here’s a compilation of my favorite exercises for hip and sciatic pain relief in one place. If you’re here because you’re struggling with sciatic pain, I hope these exercises and stretches help you.

Seated Hip Stretch

I love this stretch and use it often. This is where you want to start if you’re not very bendy. Just get the ankle up on the knee, hang out, and listen to what the hip is telling you. A little pain might be necessary to get things moving, but stop if you start feeling that “something is tearing” pain.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK5aOJCQdXg

 Education is Key

I like this video because the doctor explains the different types of issues that can cause sciatic pain and offers different exercises for each. Try them all and then pick the ones that you think are giving you the best results.

 Another Sciatic Nerve Stretch

This is a pretty common stretch that I’ve seen for sciatic relief. I tend to use this one as well when my sciatic flares up. I like it because I get to lay on the floor, on my back, you know, like sleeping except with stretching.

 Standing Pigeon Piriformis Stretch

You can do this exercise standing next to your bed or any stable raised surface. It’s a good stretch for that pesky piriformis muscle and gets you ready for the next one (if you dare). Please make sure the surface you pick is stable and not going to slide out from under you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJR15yFNdPs

 

Here is an article about stretching before sleep that has some great pictures of what this stretch looks like done on a bed.

The Mother of All Sciatic Stretches

Also known as Pigeon in the yoga world, this stretch is well known for opening up the hip rotators and should be considered an advanced move. I recommend working through all the other stretches above and then working slowly into this one.

So there you have it! Good luck, work smart and I look forward to hearing how you progress through these exercises and getting out of pain. As always, my table and services are available to you for assistance with sciatic pain management.

***Micro mini fine print: I’m not a doctor and this article is not intended to replace medical advice. Please listen to your body and seek medical attention when necessary.***

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur, Alabama’s Original Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

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Happy Independence Day!

Community /

free-happy-4th-of-july_302237

Just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a safe and patriotic 4th of July celebration!

Please remember your pets, our veterans, and others suffering from PTSD this holiday and be considerate of their struggles with the fireworks and other triggers.

Want to learn more about our veterans and PTSD and how holidays featuring fireworks can affect them? Here’s an article to get you started.

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage Therapy is Decatur, Alabama’s Original Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

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It’s Just a Little Leak

Massage /

PuddlesAs I sit writing this morning, Hartselle Utilities is outside my house in the street with a backhoe digging up the pavement. What started out as a small wet spot in the pavement has grown into a substantial flow that has been watering the neighbor’s ditch and yard for a little over a week.

When I noticed it one morning and then again that afternoon I made a little note in my head to check the next day. It hadn’t dried so we put a call in to the utilities. It took them several days to get to it, all the while the problem was silently growing.

It put me in mind of how we deal with and what happens in our bodies. One day our shoulder has little catch, the next day it’s a little worse so we take something for it. Pretty soon we’re favoring it, using a muscle cream, and taking something a few times a day. Eventually we wind up at the doctor’s office for harder medicine and more invasive interventions.

But what if there was a way to avoid that whole chain of events? Oh, there’s always going to be pain in the body. We age, there’s only one way around that, but can regular maintenance slow it down? I think so. At least regular maintenance can help keep most of us from hurting as badly, as long or as often.

Bold claims!

But there is a bit of science to back it up. AMTA recently published this article on massage therapy’s role in pain management and the actual study they are referencing is published in Pain Medicine. Additionally, it’s long been known that the frequency of massage directly impacts the cumulative effects of massage. In English that means the more often you have massage the faster and more long-lasting the results.

So the next time you feel a little twinge, let that be your signal to check your schedule for your next massage. Don’t have a massage scheduled? Well then it’s time to call your massage therapist and get on his or her schedule! You’ll be doing your body and mind a great service. And while you’re there talk to them about an appropriate maintenance schedule.

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage is Decatur, Alabama’s Original Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

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Summer Vacation 2016!

Self-Care /

Relaxed Feet!

It’s that time of year when everyone is running off to the beach or the mountains to relax a bit. I’ll be joining them this week for some much needed R&R. I plan on sitting with my feet in the dirt and sand as much as possible, soaking up some sun and recharging my batteries in anticipation of this very, busy upcoming summer.

I’ll be slow to respond to phone calls, voicemail, text messages, and emails this week so if you are an existing client please use my online scheduler. Remember to use the same email address from which you receive my emails when booking online. Otherwise my scheduler will think you’re new and won’t let you book. New clients, please call and leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

The particulars:

Harvest Moon Massage Therapy & Reflexology will be closed beginning May 30th and will reopen June 6th.

I hope each of you will be able to take some time to rest and recharge this summer. And when you do, I want to hear about it!

♥

Sharon Bryant Harvest Moon Massage is Decatur, Alabama’s Original Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapist!

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