Summer Fun vs. Summer Strain

Why Your Body Might Be More Tired Than You Think

Summer has a reputation for being carefree—beach trips, BBQs, long evenings with friends, sunshine on your shoulders. But if you're feeling more fried than free lately, you're not alone.

What no one talks about is how much effort summer can take—physically, emotionally, and energetically. Travel, heat, disrupted sleep, over-stimulation, and constant movement can wear you down, even when everything looks “fun” on the outside.

The Hidden Strain of a “Fun” Season

Summer shifts us out of our routines. We stay up later. We travel more. We say yes to every invite. Our bodies, meanwhile, are quietly managing heat, dehydration, poor posture from car rides or planes, and that one overzealous cannonball into the lake (you know the one).

Even socializing—something we often crave—can leave us feeling stretched thin. The nervous system has a harder time recovering when there’s no downtime between activities.

When Over-stimulation Starts to Show Up

You might notice:

• Tighter shoulders or low back tension

• Trouble falling or staying asleep

• That wired-but-tired feeling

• A sense of disconnection or burnout

• A longing to just lie down and be left alone for a minute

That’s your body asking for a pause.

How Massage & ASMR Can Help You Recalibrate

At Mod Massage, I offer more than traditional massage—I offer nervous system support through therapeutic massage and ASMR sensory care. Here’s how we can restore your post-summer self:

Cooling massage techniques

Peppermint-infused foot massage creme, chilled quartz stones and flax pillows, and light strokes to calm inflammation and soothe overheated skin.

Weighted pillows for grounding

Rice pillows placed gently over your body (fully clothed or under blankets) offer stillness and safety—a kind of quiet pressure that helps you land back in yourself.

ASMR to calm your senses

Soft sensations—like light compressions, soft make-up brushes, massage rollers, and back scratchers—can reduce fatigue and bring your nervous system into a peaceful, parasympathetic state.

No-touch options

Whether you’re craving a nurturing rhythm on your limbs or you’re not ready for hands-on work at all, there’s a way to relax here that meets your needs. I can create a very relaxing session catered to your every need. Click here for more info on my no-touch options.

 Give Yourself Permission to Recover

Even the most joy-filled summer can leave us needing rest. You don’t have to wait for burnout. You don’t need a reason to slow down. You deserve support just because you exist in a busy world.

So if your body is quietly whispering, “I need a break,”—I’m here.

Book your Summer Recovery Session or explore a fully clothed, ASMR-focused option that gives you space to breathe. Your body—and your senses—will thank you. Contact

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At-Home Tips to Recover from Summer Strain

Even if you can’t make it to a session right away, these simple self-care rituals can help regulate your nervous system and soothe your senses from home:

1. Cool Down Your Senses

• Keep a jade roller or gua sha tool in the fridge and gently glide it over your face, neck, or chest.

• Place a cool washcloth across your forehead or the back of your neck.

• Mist yourself with rose water hydrosol.

  
  

2. Weighted Rest Time

• Use a flax or rice pillow across your chest or belly while lying down. A heavy blanket works too!

• Focus on the feeling of gentle weight helping you settle into your body.

  
  

3. Soothing Sounds

• Play calming ASMR videos, gentle white noise, or nature sounds like wind or water.

• Let your ears soften and your breath follow the rhythm of the sound.

  
  

4. Slow Touch Rituals

• Gently brush your arms, legs, or hair with a soft brush or wide-tooth comb.

• Even a few minutes of slow, intentional self-touch can downshift your nervous system.

  
  

5. Give Yourself Permission to Pause

• Set a 10-minute timer, lie down, get comfortable, and just be.

• You don’t have to do anything for your nervous system to begin restoring—just being safe, still, and warm is enough.

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Want a better explanation of what's happening inside your body when it warms up?

Circulation

Positive Effects:

• Vasodilation: Heat causes your blood vessels to widen, which increases blood flow. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues more efficiently.

• Improved lymphatic flow: Gentle heat can support the movement of lymph, helping the body reduce inflammation and flush waste.

Potential Downsides:

• Low blood pressure: In extreme heat, excessive vasodilation can cause blood pressure to drop, which might lead to dizziness or fainting.

• Swelling: Increased blood flow to the extremities can cause hands and feet to swell, especially in hot, humid weather.

Joints

Positive Effects:

• Increased flexibility: Warmth makes connective tissues more elastic, reducing stiffness and improving range of motion.

• Pain relief: Heat soothes joint discomfort, especially in conditions like arthritis, by reducing muscle tension and promoting circulation to the affected area.

Potential Downsides:

• Overheating: Too much heat (like sitting in a hot tub too long) can exacerbate inflammation in some joint conditions or cause fatigue in already inflamed joints.

Mood

Positive Effects:

• Relaxation: Heat encourages the release of endorphins—your body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

• Stress relief: A warm environment or a heated massage can lower cortisol levels, promoting calm and reducing anxiety.

• Improved sleep: Heat can trigger your body’s natural winding-down process, helping you fall asleep more easily.

Potential Downsides:

• Irritability: Too much heat, especially without hydration or cooling, can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and crankiness.

• Heat fatigue: Prolonged heat exposure can drain energy and lead to heat exhaustion, which negatively impacts mood and focus.

As always, thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!

-Cheryl