Are your self-care appointments just another "to-do" on a long list of tasks?

Early in my bodywork career, I met with a patient who "squeezed a massage" in between getting her hair styled and an important meeting. She was late for her visit with me and was so worried about ruining her hair and makeup that positioning her comfortably on the table made doing my good work a challenge. Her energy was buzzy and anxious which made me feel ungrounded and edgy. It was one of the longest appointments of my life.

It was also an opening me for me to kindly suggest that if she chose to book a massage with me in the future that it might be a more worthwhile use of her time and mine if that session was "the main event" versus just another box to check.

I probably don't need to say this, but I never saw her again and honestly am super grateful.

Can I offer you the same loving nudge I offered that one-and-done patient? Make your massage session a priority. It is an investment in your health and wellbeing and your massage therapist really wants to support you!

Give yourself adequate time to prepare for and travel to your session. Account for possible traffic delays and needing time to park and arrive in your massage therapist's space. Use the restroom. Take a few deep breaths.

Set a goal or intention for your session. Notice how your body is feeling and where you are experiencing discomfort. How would you like to feel?

Hydrate well the day of your massage. Please don't have an alcoholic beverage before your massage as alcohol alters your ability to sense pain (a no-no during hands on healing work). Water and caffeine-free drinks are best to keep your tissues and joints supple and healthy.

I look forward to seeing you for your next massage therapy treatment! Please book online right here.

New to my practice? Schedule a new patient holistic massage.

Yoga is ON this week: Wednesday at 1:00 pm and Thursday at 7:45 am. Register here.

With caring,

Jennifer (she/her)