When To Get Massage

I had an epiphany the other day! In a flash of brilliance, I realized that I was my own worst client. "What does that mean?" you might ask. Let me explain. I have been putting off getting a massage for several weeks now and I suddenly figured out why. I was trying to find the "perfect time" to get a massage. I wanted something in the evening so I could go right home after and relax the rest of the night. I wanted an appointment on a day when I was not going to have to do too much the next day or in the days coming up. I wanted something early enough so I could still get some dinner when I got home without eating too late. I also wanted an appointment when my husband could get a massage at the same time which meant coming up with a time that neither of us had to work too late, we could go home right after and we wouldn't have to do too much the next couple of days. I also wanted a facial at the same time, but that meant finding two therapists, one of which could go deep enough for my husband (which is no easy feat), and the other that could do my facial just how I like it. Both of them had to be available at the same time, in the evening on a day when neither me nor my husband had too much to do in the next couple of days. Wow!! What a lot of criteria for finding "the perfect time". Part of the problem is that I teach yoga classes almost every night so getting a massage after means not starting till almost 8, not getting home until 10 and then having dinner. I don't know about you, but I don't really like eating dinner at 10 in the evening. My husband and I are also in the process of fixing up our new house. So picking a day when we don't have much to do in the next couple of days is almost impossible since we are painting the whole house inside and out and re-finishing the hardwood floors that cover the entire house except the kitchen. The house has been neglected for many years so there is cleaning and yard work and plumbing and new outlets and outlet covers and new lighting and cracks in the walls and ceiling and so on and so on and so on. Not to mention the fact that I do, in fact, own a business that needs constant attention. Whew!! When will I ever find "the perfect time" for a massage?

In my epiphany the other day, I realized that there is rarely a "perfect time" for a massage, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't get one. With all of the stress of owning a business, teaching 6 power yoga classes a week and fixing up my new "fixer upper" house, everyday is the "perfect time" for a massage. Getting a massage right now will only make me feel better and my body work better which means as I go on about my busy, busy schedule, I will be more up for the challenge. The many benefits of massage include lessening stress and anxiety (I need that), improving my immune system (I need that), relax and soften tired, over-used muscles (I need that), improve the quality of my sleep (I so need that). And just because I get my massage at a less than "perfect time", it doesn't lessen all of the benefits.

I would imagine most of you have similar situations. Life is busy and stressful with work and kids and family issues, etc. Stop trying to find the "perfect time" and just get a massage. Fit it in wherever you can. Even stopping in for a 30 minute massage once a week or once every other week will do you some serious good. Your body will be more alert and efficient if you take good care of it. So what are you waiting for? Better make your appointment today. I know I am!