With soccer supporters all over the world bracing themselves for nail-biting matches, UK-based spa booking site SpaSeekers.com has created the world’s first massage that specifically targets soccer match nerves.
Working with massage and relaxation experts at The Spa at Laceby Manor spa in England, the ‘Soccer Stress Massage’ uses bespoke massage techniques to help the body de-stress and encourage a more relaxed state of mind, so that fans can watch their national team without being overcome with nerves.
Censuswide surveyed 1,000 soccer fans, asking them a range of questions about how nervous they feel while watching a match, and the range of symptoms they experience.
- 82% of soccer fans say they experience nervousness and stress whilst watching matches
- Sweating, shaking and even diarrhea are physical symptoms that are regularly experienced by fans due to the nerves
- New research reveals many fans say watching soccer is more stressful than taking an exam, having a job interview, and even public speaking
- One of the recommended relaxation techniques involves a head massage using a claw hand formation to target scalp and neck strain
Each part of the massage has been chosen for its relaxing properties. For example, a self-shoulder massage aims to relax your shoulders, an area that often carries a lot of tension when stressed, by applying pressure in circular motions to release the muscle tension. To promote a feeling of calm and steadiness, the claw shoulder massage involves massaging the head in a claw formation to target scalp and neck strain, often brought on by nerves.
Shaking, throwing up and diarrhea are all experienced by fans from ‘match stress’
Getting nervous or stressed before or during a match is extremely common, with eight in 10 (82%) fans saying they experience anxiety and unease. The most common symptom of pre-match nerves is feeling restless, with more than a quarter (28%) of fans experiencing this, followed by stomach butterflies (27.5%) and sweaty palms (16%).
One in six (15%) fans experience stomach issues, such as stomach aches or even diarrhea, and 7.5% of fans suffer from nausea or vomiting due to nerves when watching soccer. In fact, one in six (16%) soccer fans found watching a match more nerve-racking than taking an exam – 15% say it’s more stressful than having a job interview, and one in seven (14%) say it’s more anxiety-inducing than public speaking – showing just how stressful live matches can be for fans.
Top 15 most common effects of soccer nerves
- Feeling restless – 28%
- Stomach butterflies – 27.5%
- Sweaty palms – 16%
- Tense shoulders and/or neck – 15%
- Sweating – 14%
- Heart flutters – 13.5%
- Faster breathing – 11%
- Shaking – 7%
- Headaches – 7%
- An upset stomach – 6.5%
- Stomach aches – 5.5%
- Nausea – 5%
- Short of breath – 5%
- Diarrhea – 3%
- Vomiting – 2.5%
How to cure soccer stress:
The newly created ‘Soccer Stress Massage’ is designed so it can be performed anywhere, and without any equipment, so whether you watch the match at home or at the bar you’ll be able to experience the benefits. Importantly, the massage has both a ‘solo’ and ‘for friends’ version – meaning you can perform the massage on yourself or help your friends de-stress if you’re all watching together.
Massage method to de-stress yourself:
- Temple rubs: Place two fingers on your temples and apply light pressure and massage in circular motions for 10 seconds.
- Neck slides: Apply either 2 or 3 fingers to the side of your neck, starting at the base of the scalp. Gently slide them round to the back of the neck, then repeat again slightly lower until you reach the bottom of the neck. Repeat on the opposite side.
- The self-shoulder massage: Cup your hand and place over the opposite shoulder and start to rub in circle motions, apply pressure with your fingertips to work the muscles. Do this for 10 seconds on each side.
- Face tapping: Gently and lightly tap over your face, one finger at a time and increasing speed so your fingers flow. Start at the top of your head and work your way down past your temples and cheeks until you reach your jaw.
Massage method to destress your friends:
- Claw shoulder massage: Spread your fingers apart and bend slightly, so your hands are like two claws. Then place on either side of their head, with thumbs near the base of their neck and little fingers near the temples. Firmly move your hand in small circular motions, doing five slow circles.
- Calming arm slides: Hold their hand with one hand, and with the other hand use two fingers to firmly slide up their arm – starting from their wrist and ending just before their elbow. Repeat three times.
- Hand rubs: Place your thumb and first two fingers around their knuckle, then firmly work your way to the tip of the fingers. Then gently pull on the nail area.
- Shoulder squeezes: Make a C with your hands and place them over their shoulders, so your thumb is on their back and your fingers are near to their collarbone. Start close to the neck and gently squeeze once, then move slightly down the shoulder. Repeat this until you reach the end of their shoulders.
- Soothing shoulder swipes: Then use your thumbs to follow the shoulder blade round in a swiping motion. Repeat three times.
Jason Goldberg, Director at SpaSeekers.com, comments:
“As experts in relaxation, we wanted to do our bit for fans around the world, so they don’t need to feel the stressful effects of watching matches. We’re thrilled to be able to provide a vital tool for those who feel sick with nerves when enduring every free kick, yellow card, or dreaded penalties, and hope that it makes a big difference to nervy soccer supporters during the World Cup.”
To see the full massage technique and detailed instructions on how to perform the expertly curated massage, visit: https://www.spaseekers.com/spa-insider/inspiration/football-fears/
