First off I can't believe I haven't posted in over a year. I do have many reasons as to why, but it won't make up for it. My husband updates his weekly...and that's just for fun. Not a good sign.

Off to the topic at hand! That would be stress and the state of things in the economy today. There's no denying that things are more expensive. Having just purchased our first house this past October (one of my many excuses from posting!) we are experiencing the joys of higher heating bills and all the other joys of having any sort of a life. So adjustments are made to help keep things running smoothly and to keep bills paid. It seems that the people I have seen have pretty much found a way to roll with the constant increases. The stress is there, but we learn to cope and keep moving forward. One way to keep yourself in forward motion is with massage.

Massage not only works the ache out of your muscles, but it also help rid your body of the toxins that build up in those muscles that cause fatigue and ache. A massage can help boost your immune system to keep you healthy while you are keeping up with your daily schedule. Massage helps to improve your flexibility and reduce the chance of injury while golfing or gardening ( both are great ways of de-stressing by the way.) Massage Therapy has had a reputation as being a "nicety" or a way to pamper yourself, which is true. However, a massage is a way to manage stress. Stress has become an acceptable part of life now. It's expected. Massage can help you take time to recharge and gear yourself up to take on the rest of what life throws in your direction.

Somewhere along the way in becoming an advanced society we decided it was better to run ourselves into the ground than to take a break. The current state of jobs and the economy dictate that as well. A report was released this year how Americans just don't take vacations off from work. The first response I had to that is that they can't afford too. Not necessarily in terms of money, but at risk of losing their job. There are other countries that require you to take vacations. I had a client who's family member worked in Poland. Her company had a massage therapist come in weekly and everyone was given a massage. The company understood that taking care of their workers means the workers take care of the company. I remember a time when Kodak took pride in their workers and the return was 3 fold. Its amazing how much has changed and not for the better.

So in times of stress be sure to take time out every day for yourself. Take a walk outside on your lunch break. Take a nap if you can ( I know they are almost all but extinct in anyone over the age of 3) or sign up for a yoga class. Of course, a relaxing and therapeutic massage is on the list as well. Not only will you feel better mentally and physically but emotionally as well.
Don't neglect yourself in exchange for burning yourself out. That's a trade off that will cost you more in the long run.

(Slowly stepping off her soapbox and heading back to work...)

That all being said, check out my website to see what's new and to perhaps buy a guft certificate for yourself...or 3 to make sure that you take the time to keep yourself healthy and keeping pace with your life!