Take Care, Part 2

For years I have said, “Take care,” to my clients at the end of each appointment. This became especially important to me when I became a licensed massage therapist in 2006. But what does it mean to ‘take care’?

Often it means doing what is good for ourselves, but it is not what we want to do. Drink water, exercise, stretch, receive bodywork or massage, eat healthier, etc. – those are just a few examples. What we want is to drink soda, sit down, have a pizza and beer. It is very easy to do what we want and very hard to do what is good for us. And then there is the problem of “what” should I do? You could make a list of “10 must dos for my health.” However, the odds of you doing them for more than a week or two is extremely low.

May I suggest you thoughtfully select one item? Whether it is eliminating from your habits a poor practice or adding an improvement for your health does not matter. But make a serious commitment to do it consistently. Need to drink more water? Commit to drinking 1/2 more bottle/glass per day for two weeks. Still need more? Commit to drinking 1/2 more bottle/glass per day for the next two weeks, and so on until you reach the proper daily amount.

Are you needing bodywork? Receiving one massage is nice, but a long-term health improvement it is not! My clients who do best receive consistent therapy sessions. The frequency depends on their needs, finances and other life circumstances. They are quarterly, monthly, bi-weekly, weekly and all variations. For example, one of my clients with chronic pain receives regular massages each month. There are certain times of the year with seasonal changes that her pain becomes more difficult to manage; to combat this and calm her ‘flares’ she increases the frequency of her appointments. Doing so ensures she receives the most benefit to her overall goal of managing her chronic pain.

So, what one item are you willing to subtract or add to improve your mind, body and spirit?

If it is body work commit to book a session today.

Take care,

Al