By Roger Cullman, RMT

July 15 is National Relaxation Day in Canada, a gentle nudge to pause, breathe, and give ourselves the care we often put off. At Body Co in Toronto's Junction, we love this day because it highlights something we see every week. True relaxation isn't about occasional treats, it's about building small, consistent practices that help us feel better day after day.

While booking a massage for National Relaxation Day is a wonderful idea, the deeper rewards come from making self-care part of your regular routine.

The Power of Regular Registered Massage Therapy

Life in Toronto moves fast. Commutes, work, family and everything in between. Over time, that pace can leave us holding onto tension, fatigue and stress. Regular Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) sessions offer a powerful way to reset:

  • They help lower cortisol (our main stress hormone) while supporting feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which can ease anxiety, brighten mood, and improve sleep.

  • They release built-up muscle tightness, boost circulation and support the body's natural recovery.

  • Many people notice lasting benefits like fewer tension headaches, easier movement, better posture and a calmer overall outlook.

Our experienced RMT team creates a warm, supportive space for personalized therapeutic massage. We also collaborate with our naturopathic doctor and chiropractor, who both offer acupuncture as a complementary approach for stress relief, pain management and restoring balance.

As a RMT, I work at the intersection of high-performance recovery and true relaxation. I blend deep, results-driven massage technique with a spa-like experience, often incorporating aromatherapy and hands-on stretch demonstrations you can keep doing at home between visits. A few times a year, I also runs a partner massage workshop for anyone who wants to learn the techniques themselves.

The key is consistency. Many of our clients find that appointments every few weeks help them stay ahead of stress rather than always catching up.

"There is something inherently relaxing about knowing exactly the experience you will get every massage." — Body Co client, Google review

That kind of consistency is something our whole RMT team, Roger included, works hard to protect. 

Simple Ways to Relax Any Day

Massage pairs beautifully with easy habits you can enjoy at home or around the city:

  • Take a walk in nature. Head to High Park or a quiet local trail. Even 20 to 30 minutes outdoors can melt away stress and lift your spirits.

  • Read a book. Settle in with a good story and let the world fade for a while.

  • Have a bath with Epsom salts. The magnesium helps relax muscles. Add a few drops of essential oil and you've created your own mini spa moment.

  • Learn to meditate. Start small with just 5 to 10 minutes a day using apps like Calm, Headspace or Insight Timer. Their guided sessions make it approachable and rewarding.

  • Other ideas: listen to music that soothes you, do some gentle stretching, journal a few grateful thoughts, spend time with a pet, or simply enjoy a warm cup of herbal tea without distractions.

These small acts, combined with professional care, can make a real difference in how you feel.

This July 15, and Every Week After It

National Relaxation Day is the perfect excuse to slow down and reflect on what helps you feel restored. Whether you treat yourself to a massage therapy session or simply carve out more quiet moments, your body and mind will thank you.

If you'd like support creating a wellness routine that works for your life, we're here in the Junction at 3093 Dundas Street West. Booking is easy online at bodycotoronto.com/registered-massage-therapy.

Wishing you a deeply relaxing National Relaxation Day, and many more peaceful days ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get a massage to manage stress? There's no single right answer, it depends on your body and your week. Many Body Co clients book every few weeks so they stay ahead of tension instead of only reaching for a massage once things already hurt.

Can massage therapy actually help with sleep and mood, or just sore muscles? Both. RMT sessions help lower cortisol while supporting serotonin and dopamine, the chemicals tied to mood and rest. Clients often notice calmer sleep and a steadier mood alongside the physical relief.

What does National Relaxation Day have to do with regular massage therapy? National Relaxation Day falls on July 15 and works as a reminder, not a one-time fix. Booking a single massage that day is a good start, but the real benefit comes from making it part of a regular rhythm.

Where is Body Co Health & Wellness located and how do I book? Body Co is in Toronto's Junction neighbourhood at 3093 Dundas Street West. You can book Registered Massage Therapy online at bodycotoronto.com/registered-massage-therapy.

Does Body Co offer anything alongside massage for stress relief? Yes. Our RMT team works alongside our naturopathic doctor and our chiropractor, both of whom offer acupuncture as a complementary approach for stress relief, pain management, and restoring balance.