Self massage can be one of the most effective ways to turn a quick five minute break into what feels like a longer period of relaxation and rejuvenation. You don’t need long and any of these massages can be done by themselves or in succession.
The Head Massage
If you don’t mind messing up your hair or if you don’t have any hair start by replicating washing your hair, with small circular motions into your scalp. You do not need excessive pressure just move around the head and keep it slow and methodical. Gently massaging behind the ears and on the lobes and around the tops of the ears can also be effective.
The Face Massage
You can move down to the face after starting on the head. There is no need for any excessive pressure on the face a light touch and the additional heat of your hands can be enough to stimulate the numerous muscles in your face. Concentrate of feeling the the movements of the individual muscles. Gently stroke your cheeks and forehead upwards and lightly pinch your eyebrows starting at the bridge of your nose. Next, gently pinch the skin of the chin starting by your neck and moving towards the center. Move downwards and continue under your chin.
The Tennis Ball
For more isolated massage that could possibly target areas of soreness try using a tennis ball. Start by gently rolling the tennis ball over the area of massage and slowly increase pressure. This can be used to target deeper areas of soreness and can be very effective in easing pain associate with workouts. Try rolling a tennis ball under the arch of your foot for a stimulating foot massage. The tennis ball trick is semi subjective, there is really not a wrong way to do it and it helps to experiment. Some people like to use golf balls or racquet balls for a different effect.
The Torso
Try rubbing directly above the kidneys with a fist in a circular motion for a quick burst of energy. This can be effective on long car rides to increase awareness and break a lull.
Arms
A light karate chop type movement starting near the shoulder and working down to the wrist and back up the the shoulder can be effective in increasing blood flow and getting limbs ready for movements. This can also be applied to the legs with a little more difficulty.
Give some different things a try and see what works best for you, you will not regret it.