Hands

Massage can not only release the tension which we store so much in our hands but also help to keep them in a very good condition looking firm and fresh. Detergents, age, hard work and stress make them dry and rough. They loose their softness and elasticity. Give them some of your time before you go to bed. Massage them with a good hand cream, to nourish them and if they are very dry wear sometimes cotton gloves for the whole night.

1. While sitting comfortably in bed apply some cream to your right palm
2. Apply the cream on your left hand using slow movements and covering the whole hand up to the wrist
3. Using the thumb of your right hand slight along the tendons from the knuckle of your little finger towards the wrist. Repeat between every finger
4. Try to make the strokes as slow as possible feeling how it relaxes the muscles
5. Squeeze the base of your little finger between your thumb and index finger and circle around the finger working up to the fingernail. Repeat on each finger breathing slowly and keeping your shoulders relaxed
6. Repeat on the other hand

Originally published in Stella Magazine, the weekly supplement of The Sunday Telegraph