The Gift of Wellness – Caring for Others and Yourself

December is often called the “silly season” for a reason. End‑of‑year deadlines, school concerts, Christmas shopping, social events, travel, and family gatherings can leave you feeling more drained than delighted.

At Feel Amazing Chatswood, we see it every year: tight shoulders, sore backs, headaches, pregnancy discomfort, and a general sense of being “worn out”. It’s no surprise that many people arrive at Christmas Day running on empty.

This year, instead of pushing through and hoping you’ll rest “once things quieten down”, you can choose a different approach: giving the gift of wellness to the people you care about, and to yourself.

Notice Who Needs Support (Including You)

When a partner, friend, or family member is struggling you might notice:

  • They’re constantly saying “I’m just so tired”
  • Their neck, shoulders, or lower back are always sore
  • They’re pregnant and finding it harder to get comfortable as the weather heats up
  • They’re juggling work, kids, and Christmas planning with no real time to rest

But sometimes, the person who needs support most is you.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I waking up feeling rested, or already exhausted?
  • Do I have more aches and pains than usual?
  • Have I put my own health on hold “until after Christmas”?
    Recognising that you need care too isn’t selfish, it’s essential. When you feel better, you’re able to show up more fully for the people around you.

Simple Ways to Look After Your Body in December

You don’t need a complete life overhaul to feel a difference. Small, consistent changes can help you stay more comfortable and resilient through the busy season.

A few practical ideas:

  • Move regularly: Break up long periods of sitting or standing with short walks or gentle stretches
  • Hydrate: It’s easy to forget water when you’re rushing around, especially in warmer weather
  • Protect your back: Bend your knees when lifting shopping bags or kids and avoid twisting with heavy loads
  • Create “tech‑free” pockets of time: Even 10-15 minutes away from screens can help your nervous system reset
  • Schedule real rest: Put time in your calendar for a walk, a nap, a bath, or a massage, and treat it like any other important appointment

For more detailed tips on staying comfortable and active over summer, you can read our earlier blog post:
Summer Wellness: Staying Active and Moving with Ease

How Remedial and Pregnancy Massage Support December Self‑Care

Massage is often seen as a “treat”, but remedial and pregnancy massage can play a real role in supporting your health, especially during busy periods.

Remedial massage can help:

  • Release tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back
  • Ease tension headaches and jaw tightness
  • Support recovery from sports, gym, or work‑related strain
  • Improve circulation and joint mobility

Pregnancy massage can help:

  • Reduce back, hip, and pelvic discomfort
  • Ease muscle tension from changes in posture
  • Support circulation and swelling management
  • Provide a safe, comfortable space to rest and recharge

At Feel Amazing Chatswood, our team of qualified, experienced massage therapists tailor each session to your needs – whether you’re dealing with pain, stress, or just feeling worn out.

Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Dry Needling: Extra Support When Your Body Needs More

For some people, massage is just one part of what they need to feel and function at their best. That’s why we also offer chiropractic care, acupuncture and dry needling as part of our multidisciplinary approach.

  • Chiropractic can help assess and treat problems related to the spine, joints and nervous system. Many people find it helpful for persistent back or neck pain, headaches and posture‑related issues, especially if they spend long hours at a desk or on devices.
  • Acupuncture uses fine, sterile needles at specific points to support pain relief, reduce muscle tension and help regulate the body’s stress response. It can be a gentle, effective option for a range of musculoskeletal and stress‑related concerns.
  • Dry Needling also uses very fine, sterile needles, but is focused on releasing tight or “trigger point” areas in muscles and surrounding tissues. It is often used alongside massage or chiropractic care to help reduce pain, improve movement and support faster recovery from common muscle and joint problems.

Giving the Gift of Wellness to Others

If you know someone who is always looking after everyone else, but never themselves, a health‑focused gift can be a meaningful way to show you care.

A Massage Gift Voucher can be ideal for:

  • A partner with constant neck and shoulder tension
  • A friend recovering from an injury or training hard
  • A family member who’s always “too busy” to book for themselves
  • An expecting mum navigating pregnancy during the festive season

Our Massage Gift Vouchers:

  • Can be used for remedial massage (including sports, deep tissue, and relaxation) or pregnancy massage
  • Are available for 30‑, 45‑, 60‑ or 90‑minute sessions, or any dollar amount
  • Are easy to purchase online through our website
  • Are valid for 3 years, so there’s no pressure to use them immediately
  • Can be emailed instantly or printed to put into a Christmas card

You can purchase Massage Gift Vouchers online here

Don’t Forget to Put Yourself on the List

It’s common to buy thoughtful gifts for everyone else and leave your own needs until last.

This year, consider:

  • Booking a massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture appointment for yourself before or after Christmas
  • Using your private health extras (if applicable) before they reset
  • Setting aside time to follow the simple summer wellness tips from our earlier blog
  • Saying “yes” to help when it’s offered, and “no” when your plate is already full

Looking after your body and mind isn’t an indulgence; it’s what allows you to enjoy the festive season, rather than just survive it.

Whether you’re gifting a massage to someone special, booking a session for yourself, or putting a few simple wellness habits in place, small steps now can help you feel more comfortable, more present, and more like yourself this December.

Ready to support your own wellbeing, and someone else’s?

Book an appointment or purchase a Massage Gift Voucher online through our website feelamazing.com.au 

Feel Amazing Wellness Centre