Here's something no one warned me about isolation: you're going to ache a LOT. Anyone relate?
Between not having a proper desk to work on, to exercising more often *and* spending more time that usual in bed (oops), my lower back, neck and just about everywhere in between acheeeees.
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Basically, I'm dying for a massage.
It's alright if you're isolating with your partner. A quick search of at-home massage pulls up sumptuous images of couples sexily rubbing oil into one another before probably getting down to it. Vom.
But what about those of us who are isolating on our own?
Yes, truth be told I have never felt more single in my life than when I Googled: 'How to give yourself a massage'. And annoyingly, tips are scarce.
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Instead, I tapped massage therapist Renata Nunes to ask if it's possible to give yourself a massage from solo quarantine - and according to her, it totally is!
Renata - a masseuse, physio and acupuncturist - gave Tyla a handy guide to reliving aches and pains using both objects you can find in your home and your God-given fingers. And it's honestly revelatory.
Read on for the goods...
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For your neck and shoulders
Technique 1: using a towel
"Take a small to medium towel and roll it into a long sausage," says Renata. "Hold it at each end so that it cradles the base of your head, top of your neck, and relax your head into the towel."
Next, she says: "Keep the weight of your head in the towel. Twist the towel from side to side to rock the head. You can also roll the towel up your neck for extra massage."
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Technique 2: using facial oil
"Use 4-5 drops of facial oil and massage along your jaw and neck," says the masseuse. "Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth whilst doing this, with teeth apart but lips closed for maximum effect."
Technique 3: using acupressure
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Using your fingers you can press some useful acupressure points, explains Renata.
"With fingers closed and your thumb beside your index fingers, press the 'mountain' of skin which forms at the bottom of your thumb crease firmly and keep pressed for 1 minute.
"Breathe deeply, relax shoulders. It is very good for neck pain, but do not do if you're pregnant."
Renata adds: "The other point is at the outer side of your hand. Curl your fingers, and follow where the bottom knuckle of your little finger is into the palm of your hand, between two creases of skin.
"Press firmly and when you do this, move your head from side to side, roll your head, and try not to hunch your shoulders whilst doing this."
Technique 4: using a toothbrush, body brush, or a rolling pin with clingfilm
"Use a clean toothbrush, body brush, or a rolling pin with clingfilm to gently stroke the neck muscles downwards towards the shoulders, and up from your jaw to the cheekbone," says the massage therapist, adding: "Press very softly and do as often as required."
For your back
Technique 1: using two tennis balls
"Put two tennis balls in a sock, and secure them with a knot in the sock," says Renata. "Lie down and create a gap between the two tennis balls in the sock so that they are either side of your spine (never directly on your spine) and lie down on them at the base of your spine."
She explains: "Move up and down, side to side. Slide the balls up your spine all the way up the shoulder blades. Remember to breathe."
Technique 2: using your hands
"If you don't have any tennis balls, you can use your hands," she says. "Make fists, with your thumb outside the fist, and place them either side of your spine. Move around on them to relieve any tension."
BRB, trying all of these tonight while blaring Pussycat Dolls 'I Don't Need A Man'.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock