Jonathan Groger, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist

A little different from typical body care/bodywork content, but I wanted to share a virtual workshop I'll be facilitating Saturday May 9th from 4-6pm. If you're curious about utilizing poetry to be present with yourself or bring more self compassion to your life, I warmly welcome you to sign up:

https://forms.gle/9TmGtoHtsQKMPGCVA

Feel free to message me if you have any questions or concerns!

https://www.npr.org/2026/04/21/nx-s1-5736111/want-to-lighten-your-mental-load-first-let-go-of-these-gender-myths

Interesting! I like the idea of becoming conscious about what our mental load is and assessing what is worth the load vs what isn’t. And letting go/outsourcing where you can. I also like that the article talks about our limited capacity and overloading our mental capacity just isn’t sustainable.

So in short, less mental work and more receiving bodywork and acupuncture and yin yoga. :)

Want to lighten your mental load? First, let go of these gender myths "Men can't see the mess." "Women are better at chores." These myths position women to take on more emotional thinking, says researcher Leah Ruppanner. She shares what works to reclaim your headspace.

“Massage reduces pain because the oxytocin system activates painkilling endorphins. Massage also improves sleep and reduces fatigue by increasing serotonin and dopamine and decreasing the stress hormone cortisol. So if you’re feeling out of sorts, get a massage. You’ll be actively triggering the neurotransmitter systems that work to make you happier.”

-Alex Korb, author of The Upward Spiral: Using Neuroscience to Reverse the Course of Depression, One Small Change at a Time

Very excited to announce that I will be moving into an office space next month! It will be in the same general area (sw Durham), but with the added bonus of a more serene, clinical environment and more availability to see clients in the afternoon hours. 😌🎉

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a70224575/kneeling-chair-review/

I read a scientific article a couple years ago that claimed back pain wasn’t from sitting, but instead from not engaging our back muscles when we sit. I especially have high praise for these ergonomic kneeing chairs that encourage core engagement and take pressure off the hip flexors, an area that tends to aggravated in prolonged seating.

I've Totally Made the Switch to This Posture-Reinforcing Kneeling Chair And it lessens my chronic back pain.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Anne Lamott

https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/nov/13/massage-health-benefits

I took a thai bodywork class last fall and the woman who taught the class was from Thailand, where she said people used massage as preventative health care. Most people received bodywork on a weekly basis as a way to maintain the body, starting from a young age. And because of this cultural habit, the need for western medicine and doctors is much lower. Fascinating :)

The magic touch: how healthy are massages actually? While they can be seen as a luxury, massages are often part of healthcare – here’s how they affect physical and mental health

“Just when you feel you have no time to relax, know that this is the moment you most need to make time to relax.” -Matt Haig

https://www.npr.org/2026/03/06/nx-s1-5719268/sauna-heat-health-benefits-science

Science shows that saunas can support heart health, mental health, and reduce inflammation. Not quite the same as a massage, but worth adding to the self care rotation. :)

Taking the heat. Sauna's popular and there may be health benefits too It's an age old practice that's having a moment right now. But is there anything to the health claims? Scientists say sauna is more than hot air.

“If you don’t know, now you know” -Notorious B.I.G

Jonathan Groger, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist