To Your Writer's Health! Get in touch-The Benefits of "Massage Therapy"

“Health is the greatest wealth.”
---Ralph Waldo Emerson

As writers, we spend countless hours crouched over laptops and computers, in the pursuit of our craft.
And like most professions, there are work related hazards, and health concerns that we must be mindful of, if we wish to enjoy optimal health and protect our livelihood and our families.

There’s no doubt about it: many of us are overworked and under-insured. We “burn the candle at both ends.” We juggle. Our lifestyle and associated activities make us more prone to things such as back pain, eye strain, migraines, wrist injuries, and tension.

Not to mention the stress of computer glitches, slow paying clients, no-paying clients, a lack of support, and looming deadlines.
It can get to be a bit taxing. True?

So, in the overall scheme of things, what can we do to minimize or counteract these maladies and conditions as writers?
One treatment that I have recently tapped into is “touch therapy” or personal massages.
And you should too.

Here’s what I discovered.
A few months ago, at the urging of a friend, I took some “down time” and treated myself to a massage. Much to my surprise, it was a very relaxing, liberating experience, that not only improved my aching, tired body, it also allowed me to mentally “escape” and feel a sense of renewal and release. It even inspired a little creativity, (I subsequently wrote a poem about it).
I highly recommend it, (of course through a licensed, reputable provider).
And there’s no better time than the present.

July 18^th officially marks “Everybody deserves a massage week."
As one wise man once told me: “treat yourself, don’t cheat yourself!”

Here are some reported benefits of massages, (according to studies I‘ve read):

• Relieves sore muscles
• Lowers blood pressure
• Soothes anxiety and depression by reducing cortisol
• Boosts the immune system

Associated cost of a massage?
Depending upon your location and the type of massage, you can expect to pay anywhere in the range of $30.00 to $100.00 for a half hour to an hour’s session. 

So “get in touch” to help your body to better cope with the many demands of life as a writer.
It’ll thank you for it.

Thoughts? Have you ever indulged? Do tell.


Image: Freedigitalphotos.net