My arsenal of tension-fighting tactics is well stocked, and I've got my favourites — the beloved facial massage techniques [1] bookmarked in my brain, the several bottles of essential oils on my work desk, and the foam roller [2] sitting front and centre in my living room.
However, my new discovery — Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel [3] ($39) — might just be bumping my massage methods to second place.
My quads, shoulders, and biceps are very familiar with the cooling and warming sensations that muscle gels deliver; I've been using them for years to ease soreness and tension after difficult workouts.
One I hadn't yet put to the test was the Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Muscle Gel, so when it landed on my desk a few weeks back, I started the experiment.
Two days after a difficult workout packed with push-ups, my aching arms were tender to the touch, and I couldn't even slip on a sweater without whining. I rubbed a dollop of the muscle gel onto both arms and immediately felt the cooling action kick into gear. A few seconds later, I felt the warmth come on, thanks to the trio of black pepper, ginger, and rosemary.
My muscles felt a little looser, but what I noticed even more was how my mind began to relax. The distinct smell of the essential oils [5] created a calming effect, so I capitalized on the moment by deeply breathing in and out. Sure, my stress didn't totally disappear, but it helped guide me to a more positive state of mind.
A little research revealed that the brand actually suggests rubbing it on the back of your neck if you suffer from tension headaches, and do I ever!
As soon as I started feeling pressure in my head and face, I rubbed the gel on the back of my neck. Again, paired with a few deep breaths, the gel's scent helped me relax, and a few minutes later, I felt some of the tension start to release in my head.
Now, I've realised one bottle probably isn't going to cut it. It's a gym-bag essential, but I'm definitely going to need this tension-fighting helper in my handbag, too.
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