Naturally Serene Massage Therapy

28/11/2025

Stress Affects Muscle Tension and Breathing

When the body comes under stress, it activates the “fight-or-flight” response.

This releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare your muscles for action. As a result, muscles—especially in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and back—tighten automatically.

If stress becomes chronic, this tension can linger, contributing to stiffness, aches and even headaches.

Stress also disrupts normal breathing.

Instead of slow, diaphragmatic breaths, the body shifts into rapid, shallow chest breathing.

This reduces oxygen flow, increases heart rate and can create a cycle where tense muscles make breathing feel even more restricted.

Over time, these patterns reinforce each other, keeping the body in a state of alertness even when no real threat is present.

Regular massage and relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindful movement can help reverse these stress-driven patterns.

25/11/2025

Still struggling to think of the perfect Christmas gift for that special person?

You’ve just found it!

Give the gift of relaxation.

The gift that never gets left in a cupboard, gathers dust on a shelf or (and we all know this happens!) gets sold at a car boot!

Be on the good list this Christmas and buy a voucher for some precious ‘me time’ for that special someone!

24/11/2025

Happy Monday!
So how was your weekend?

I had the most amazing weekend!

First we got upgraded to a suite in our hotel in London, then we saw the amazing Jools Holland at The Royal Albert Hall and yesterday we visited Bleinham Palace where I met the Wizard of Oz!

20/11/2025

Just 90 seconds of movement can help undo 90 minutes of desk tension!

Sitting for long periods of time can often lead to back, neck and shoulder pain due to lack of movement and bad posture.

Why not try these 3 simple stretches you can do at your desk for 30 seconds each and see how much difference they can make.

Doing them every 90 minutes can help reduce the tension in your muscles which causes you pain.
If you’re able to set a reminder that’s great but if not try to do them when you do a certain task (make a drink, get up to photocopy etc) so it acts as a ‘trigger’ to remind you to stretch!

19/11/2025

18/11/2025

Do you suffer with neck, back or shoulder aches or pain?

Well you may have been blaming your screen time or posture but the culprit could be your pillow!

Waking up with a stiff or sore neck is often less about how you slept and more about what you slept on. The wrong pillow can push your neck out of alignment for hours, straining muscles and joints overnight.

Why Pillow Height Matters:
• Too high: Your neck bends upward, compressing joints and over-stretching muscles—especially common for back sleepers.
• Too low: Your head tilts downward, causing your neck to collapse and creating tension.
• Just right: Your pillow should keep your head aligned with your spine, not tilted in any direction.

Sleeping Positions & Ideal Pillow Setup:
• Back sleepers: Medium loft (not too high or low). Look for a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck.
• Side sleepers: Higher, firmer pillow to fill the space between your ear and shoulder. Keeps the spine straight.
• Stomach sleepers: Thinnest pillow or none at all. This position already puts strain on the neck, so minimizing elevation helps reduce torque.

Tip:
If you’re waking up uncomfortable, your pillow may be asking your neck to work overtime. Choosing the right height and support for your sleeping position can make a huge difference in reducing neck pain and improving sleep quality.

Regular massage is also a real help and benefit to keeping long term issues at bay!

17/11/2025

Autumn is well and truly here!

What’s your favourite thing about this colourful season?

I love the colours, days like this where the sun is out and the sky is blue but there’s a chill in the air and curling up by the fire with a book and a hot chocolate (or ginderbread latte which I have a thing for lately!)

What do you love about Autumn?

14/11/2025

Do you hate feeling short changed?

I don’t know about you but I like to get what I’m paying for.

Take Jaffa Cakes for example. How small are they these days? Not only have they shrunk considerably but there’s only 10 in a packet now instead of 12!

Another example is when you pay for a 60 minute massage but end up getting only 50 minutes on the couch as the time to do the consultation, dress and undress is all taken out of that 60 minutes!
So disappointing AND annoying!

Well you don’t have to worry about that when you have an appointment at Naturally Serene Massage Therapy!

Here you get the full time you paid for - on the couch, hands on.

So no leaving frustrated or annoyed - just relaxed and happy!

Sounds good?

I think so too 😁💆🏻‍♀️

11/11/2025

Do you struggle to wake up and feel ready to start your day?

Here are some low-impact morning exercises that gently wake up your body, boost circulation and improve energy, getting your body and mind ready for the day ahead, without straining joints or muscles:

🌅 1. Gentle Yoga Flow (5–10 min)
• Moves: Cat-Cow, Downward Dog, Forward Fold, Cobra, and Child’s Pose
• Benefits: Increases flexibility, oxygen flow, and mental focus
• Tip: Focus on slow breathing — inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth.

🚶‍♀️ 2. Brisk Walking (10–15 min)
• Indoors or outdoors — even a few laps around your home can help.
• Benefits: Boosts circulation, metabolism, and mood through light cardio.
• Optional: Swing your arms or add gentle hills to activate more muscles.

🧘‍♀️ 3. Standing Stretch Routine (5 min)
• Shoulder rolls
• Side bends
• Hip circles
• Calf raises
• Benefits: Releases stiffness, improves posture, and activates large muscle groups.

10/11/2025

09/11/2025

Lovely day spent in Wells with my husband, mum and aunty!
We visited the Bishops Palace and saw all the lovely craft makers and their wonderful gifts and mooched through the town and had a welcome warm coffee!

What have you been up to today?

07/11/2025

Having trouble thinking of the perfect gift for that special person?

Worry no more! Here is the answer - you’re welcome 😉

Message me to buy a voucher!