Let’s talk about self massage for Self Care Saturday! You probably have some cheap and effective tools for the job just rolling around your house: balls! Here’s the trick: the larger and softer the ball, the more gentle the massage will feel, and the harder and smaller the ball, the more intense or deep the massage will feel. Of course for small areas you’ll need a smaller ball, like the bottom of the foot. A golf ball is wonderful for tight feet and plantar fasciitis. You can just sit on your couch, put the ball on the floor and roll your foot on top of it. I use my tennis balls the most. I got that tiny tennis ball in my picture from @kahootsfeedandpet. I also have a great Himalayan salt ball from @earthselements I use all the time. You can also check out @meltmethod for balls and equipment specifically designed for self massage. Some people prefer a lacrosse ball. Use whatever feels good! ⚾️🥎🥍

For most areas of the body you’ll put the ball on the floor and roll your body on top of it. Use your arms and legs to lift yourself up for less pressure. Try to keep the muscles you’re massaging as relaxed as possible so the ball can actually work into the tissues. You can also pin the ball between the wall and your body, or try putting it on a chair or the couch. When I’m really sore I’ll put the tennis ball on the couch to work my glutes. That way I can hang on to the arm of the couch, and the soft surface keeps the ball from digging in painfully. Get creative, have fun, and most of all do what feels good so you don’t hurt yourself. The idea is to loosen up tight muscles and feel better, so try to position yourself as comfortably as you can, keep the pressure comfortable or no deeper than “hurts so good,” and if the ball or position you’re in hurts, stop. Take care everyone! 🤗🤗🤗