It’s January. The decorations are packed away, the mulled wine is a distant memory, and the world feels… a little greyer. The resolutions? A mixed bag. Some might stick; others might not make it to February. But what if this year was less about big promises and more about small, sustainable changes?
Instead of resolutions, let’s talk rituals. The kind that fit seamlessly into your life and leave you feeling better, brighter, and more balanced.
8 reasons why a monthly massage is your ultimate ritual
A massage isn’t just a treat – it’s a way to invest in and care for yourself. It’s time to pause, reset, and recharge. Here’s how it makes a difference:
- Resets stress levels
Start the month feeling calm, centred, and ready to take on whatever comes next. - Reduces inflammation
Say goodbye to stiff muscles. Release tension, ease soreness, and give your body the freedom it deserves. - Builds a ritual
Transform self-care into something you genuinely look forward to. - Boosts performance
Wake up sharper, sleep deeper, and feel energised. What’s not to love? - Improves confidence
Feeling good in your body translates to feeling good in everything you do. - Reduces anxiety
Say goodbye to that frazzled feeling and hello to a sense of calm. - Unlocks mental clarity
Clear your mind, refocus, and stay in control. - Helps with pain management
From tight shoulders to aching backs – feel more in tune with your body, ease pain and improve flexibility.
The ultimate guide to massages: Find your perfect massage match
Feeling the stress? You’re not alone. A 2024 Deloitte study showed that 47% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials in the UK feel anxious or stressed most of the time. But the right rituals can have a transformative impact. Like monthly massages tailored to what you need, when you need it.
From easing tension to lifting your mood, we’ve crafted the ultimate guide to finding your perfect massage. Discover your match and make 2025 your most balanced year yet.
1. Therapeutic & Relaxing Massages
For stress relief and muscle tension
Feel like a human stress ball? These massages are the ultimate antidote to tension from bad posture, restless nights, or overthinking everything.
Swedish Massage
- What is it?: Gentle, flowing strokes designed to relax and melt away tension.
- Benefits: Stress relief, improved circulation, and overall relaxation.
- When to choose: If you’re looking for a soothing, feel-good experience to calm both body and mind.
- Complete your ritual with: Let your post-massage calm inspire a mindfulness moment – try a meditation session to clear your head. Then, swap your usual coffee for a vibrant matcha latte to keep the tranquil, feel-good vibes going all day.
Deep Tissue Massage
- What is it?: Firm pressure targeting deeper layers of muscle.
- Benefits: Tackles stiffness, eases knots, and aids recovery.
- When to Choose: Perfect for tight shoulders, a stiff back, or post-gym soreness.
- Complete your ritual with: You’ve just worked out those muscles – now, why not work your energy too? Try a high-intensity activity (pickleball, anyone?) to keep your body moving. Then, book your next massage to recover in style.
2. Mindfulness Massages
For mental clarity and emotional balance
Your mind works overtime. These massages are like a full system reboot for your thoughts, leaving you clear-headed and balanced. Make it part of your routine to reset and refocus each month.
Aromatherapy Massage
- What is it?: Essential oils + expert hands = a total mood makeover.
- Benefits: Lifts your spirits, calms your mind, and totally rebalances your energy.
- When to choose: When you’ve been running on empty and need some emotional balance.
- Complete your ritual with: Let your mind continue to clear. Take a few minutes to journal your thoughts post-massage, and then nourish your body with a calming activity. Try a barre class for a boost of endorphins to keep that grounded, feel-good vibe going.
Hot Stone Massage
- What is it?: Smooth, heated stones placed on your body to promote relaxation and melt away muscle tension.
Benefits: Soothes sore muscles, improves circulation, and leaves you feeling totally zen. - When to choose: When you’re feeling cold – literally or emotionally.
- Complete your ritual with: Keep that cosy feeling going by treating yourself to a warming chai latte. Follow it up with a binge-worthy series to melt into the relaxation, or simply curl up with a good book to prolong the tranquility.
3. Remodeling Massages
For skin toning, contouring, and detoxification
Smooth, sculpt, and shine with these glow-boosting faves.
Wood Therapy
- What is it?: A combination of wooden tools and rhythmic techniques that break down fat cells and stimulate lymphatic drainage.
- Benefits: Smooths skin texture, reduces the appearance of cellulite, and boosts circulation.
- When to choose: If you’re targeting problem areas or want to improve skin elasticity.
- Complete your ritual with: Start your morning with a detox smoothie to nourish from within. Follow it up with a body scrub to enhance that silky smooth feeling. (TLC said no scrubs, but we think they’d make an exception here).
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
- What is it?: A gentle, rhythmic massage that targets the lymphatic system to help flush out toxins.
- Benefits: Reduces swelling, boosts immunity, and promotes natural detox.
- When to choose: Perfect when you’re feeling a little bloated or need a fresh, energising reset.
- Complete your ritual with: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink four pints of water post-massage, and incorporate a daily walk into your routine to support your detox. The power of consistency will leave you feeling refreshed and balanced.
4. Rejuvenating Facial Massages
For rejuvenation and that lit-from-within glow
Did you know stress can show on your face? Hello, puffiness and dull skin (aka “cortisol face”). A facial massage is your glow-up secret – resetting your complexion and your mood.
Face Massage
- What is it?: A relaxing treatment targeting pressure points to improve circulation and smooth tension in your face.
- Benefits: Reduces puffiness, enhances skin elasticity, and restores a natural glow.
- When to choose: Perfect for stress relief, boosting radiance, or easing facial tension after a long day.
- Complete your ritual with: Hydrate and boost your glow further with a nourishing facial mask, or try a Hydrating Facial. For an extra calming effect, take a breather with some quiet time and a warm cup of herbal tea.
5. Holistic Massages
For emotional well-being and spiritual balance
Massages that realign your energy, leaving you feeling like you – but better.
Ayurvedic Massage
- What is it?: A luxurious ritual using warm herbal oils to balance your doshas (your body’s natural energy flow).
- Benefits: Detoxifies, boosts circulation, and soothes your soul.
- When to choose: When you need a total mind-body reset.
- Complete your ritual with: Keep the serene energy flowing by practicing mindfulness and incorporating a plant-based meal into your week. It’ll help you stay grounded and balanced.
Shiatsu Massage
- What is it?: A Japanese technique using targeted pressure to release energy blocks and restore your inner flow.
- Benefits: Relieves stress, restores your inner flow, and boosts relaxation.
- When to choose: When you need to reconnect with yourself and find that mind-body-soul balance.
- Complete your ritual with: That yoga studio you’ve been walking past every day? Why not take a moment to step in, book a class, then treat yourself to a calming jasmine tea.
Thai Massage
- What is it?: A mix of acupressure, stretching, and energy work.
- Benefits: Boosts flexibility, releases tension, and energises your body.
- When to choose: When you need a physical and spiritual lift.
- Complete your ritual with: Keep the energy up. Add a green smoothie into your routine and head for a sunset walk to clear your mind and boost your mood.
Treat yourself Well this year. Explore new rituals with Treatwell.
This year, resolutions are out. Rituals are in. Start with something simple, like a monthly massage. Whether you need to unwind, clear your mind, or just take a moment for yourself, there’s a massage for every need.
Ready to Treat yourself Well in 2025? Book your next treatment on Treatwell and make your ‘me-time’ moments into healthy habits that last.