Welcome my Sparks of Joy post for 2025. This week’s Sparks of Joy #22 post is about the health benefits of having a deep tissue massage. I felt wonderful after mine. Plus in the Kitchen trying healthy recipes, finding a new lunch venue and social connection with the Probus group.
This week’s Sparks of Joy #22
Each month I visit my physiotherapist and this week I really needed the benefit of his treatment. My back is vulnerable and was having a few muscle spasms so I looked forward to having a deep tissue massage. Despite all of the activity I do, I never had regular massages until last year but I highly recommend them.
Whilst stretching is good for flexibility and mobility exercises keep our bodies functioning, there are many benefits of having a professional deep tissue massage
3 Health Benefits of a Deep Tissue Massage 💆♀️✨
1️⃣ Relieves Muscle Tension & Pain – Helps break up knots and reduce chronic pain by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.
2️⃣ Reduces Stress & Anxiety – Lowers cortisol levels while boosting serotonin and dopamine for a calmer, more relaxed mind.
3️⃣ Improves Flexibility & Recovery – Enhances mobility by loosening tight muscles and speeding up post-workout recovery.
Have you had a deep tissue massage?
In the Kitchen
Over in the WLWA50 Daily 30 Facebook Group we are doing a Clean Eating Overhaul Challenge. During February we are learning about Ultra Processed Foods and changing our eating habits to include more Whole Foods with minimal processing.
I enjoy cooking and as Mike has type 2 Diabetes I’m trying recipes to keep his sugar levels at an acceptable level and not too many peaks and troughs. I also like looking in the pantry and refrigerator to see what I have and then creating a meal.
One meal that looked colourful, tasted delicious and kept Mike’s sugar level down was my version of a Mexican bowl. It ticked all the boxes plus it was made from whole foods with just the addition of herbs and spices, so a win/win for the Clean Eating Challenge as well.
It was a vegetarian meal and I made an onion and tomato salsa for a side. The Mexican beans, capsicum, onion mushrooms and corn kernels were served on a bed of Quinoa and Brown Rice and topped with Avocado.
A new place for lunch
Mike and I have been driving about 15 minutes from home to the Bayside Suburb of Manly in Brisbane. We usually visit every few weeks for lunch and this week we tried the Manly Boat Club which we joined as Social Members for $10 for two years. A bargain!
Social Connection
On Sunday we attended the first Probus Coffee Catchup. It was the first time this was held and will be held on the first Sunday of each month. A small number of us gathered at a local cafe. It was supposed to be for an hour but three hours later we were still talking! Both Mike and I felt so good after we left and it proves that social connection has a positive effect on our mental health and wellbeing.
Last week I wrote a post Social fitness: Blooming through connection where I write about social fitness in addition to our physical fitness for health and well-being.
A gift from my grandson
A few weeks ago my grandsons went with their parents to the Lifeline BookFest and came away with many books to read. Elliot surprised me last week with this jigsaw he had bought for ‘Nan’. Such a sweet boy and something we can do together.
Two 5-star + books
Over the last week I read these two books and both brought me joy and in one case, tears (happy/sad tears). I will review in my February What’s On Your Bookshelf? but I have rated them 5-star plus. Two different books but both written so beautifully, I couldn’t put them down.
What has brought you Joy this week and made your smile?
With love
I’m linking up to #WednesdayWords&Whimsy hosted by Min from Write of the Middle. Pop over and visit Min and say hello.
16 Comments
That puzzle will be fun to put together. Aren’t grandsons just the best! They certainly bring a lot of joy. Since mine are far away, my dogs have been giving me much joy for the time being.
Hi, Sue – I love how you embrace clean eating with creativity in the kitchen—your Mexican bowl sounds absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing these uplifting moments—you continue to inspire me to find joy in the everyday!
Sue, when I was an aerobics instructor, I had deep tissue massage every week. I needed it after bashing my body around for a week. I’ve never had one since moving as I had the best and am hesitant about trying to find another one. I do agree with you that it’s beneficial.
Hi Sue, lots I can relate to here! I’m also currently avoiding processed foods and eating whole foods (apart from a wee slice of cake today – shh). I’m cooking up lots of gorgeous meals – some are wins, some not so much! Your mexican bowl pictured looks delicious! I’ve also had deep tissue massage lately – once per week for 3 weeks for a bad shoulder by a physio. It was a bit hurty to be honest but it did help with my problem. I used to have regular massage when I worked to prevent my neck seizing up from all the time at the computer. I probably need regular massages again like you suggest and my physio said the same – that I need to come for a regular ‘tune up’! I wish I could relax enough to read. I love reading but really only seem to be able to read if I go away on holiday. That’s something I’m trying to work on. It’s so lovely of your grandson to think of you and buy a gift for his Nan. That’s so touching! Loved catching up with you today Sue. Look forward to the next one. Thanks for linking up with #WWWhimsy ! xo
I haven’t had a massage in years. It sounds wonderful. I do have a facial every month, but a really good massage would be heavenly. We eat fairly clean, but Mike has been indulging in some chips (do you call them crisps) more than lately. I’m afraid he’s got quite a few pounds/kgs to lose once he’s back on his feet. He was used to walking for at least an hour every day. Your puzzle looks beautiful and even more so as it was a gift.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Gret idea to have a massage!
I have never had a massage of any kind. I just don’t think I could relax with someone touching my body. I had one facial a few years ago and really struggled to just rest and trust in the process. just finished Grave Talk as well and really enjoyed it! The friendship between the two was so heartwarming.
I used to be the same, Joanne but it really is so good for my aging body. I feel such a spring in my step after. Grave Talk was such a surprise read and so beautiful x
That’s a lovely fresh looking lunch! How fabulous! Need to be a bit more plant forward these days…#WWWhimsy
We are trying to eat more plant based although we still include chicken and fish/salmon. x
Hi Sue, another great post full of joys! I have just finished listening to The Scent of Oranges as I was driving here and there, I loved it! I’ll now put the Grave Talk to my list. How sweet is your grandson, that’s a lovely thoughtful young man right there. As to massages, I have them each month and love the way my therapist can find issues in my body that I wasn’t aware of until she starts massaging.
Thanks, Deb! I’m so behind on my replies. I think of you when I have a massage because I know you have regular ones. I’m sure you will enjoy Grave Talk and look forward to hearing your thoughts x
Happy Friday, Sue! We’ve been embracing clean eating in our home for the past year, too. Two years ago my hubby was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and then last year we learned that it had impacted his kidneys so we started following the autoimmune protocol diet (AIP) and it’s made a world of difference. My husband eats no gluten, no sugar, very little dairy and no seed oils. I read labels so much more carefully now and typically only buy foods that contain 3-5 ingredients. It has been a journey but we’ve hit a new groove and we’re finding restaurants that meet his needs, too. Thankfully, while his kidney numbers probably won’t return to normal they have steadily improved! Wishing you a great weekend ahead!
Hi Laura, it can be difficult at the start trying to get an understanding of what foods we need to eliminate and also what additives are hidden in processed foods. Once you can get your head around the information, it isn’t that difficult to follow and there are so many delicious whole foods. Good to hear your husband’s kidney numbers are improving. x
All of these things would definitely spark joy in me, Sue. I love a good massage, and that Mexican bowl sounds both nutritious and delicious–a win/win! Of course a gift from your grandson would be welcome no matter what it was, but what a thoughtful gift. Thanks for the book recommendations. I’m always looking for a good read.
The Mexican bowl was delicious and I think it looks tasty too. My body is very happy that I’m having regular massages now that’s for sure. x