"Required reading" for today's smart writer.

"Required reading" for today's smart writer.
Information & inspiration to hone your craft and increase your cash...Since 2009

Sunday, July 7, 2013

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 18th 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

12 comments:

  1. Jen, Boy could I use a massage! Summer yard work, "crouching" over the computer and chasing after grand kids takes a tole. Hubby gave me a gift cert for one a few years ago. So nice. I'll have to re-visit the idea. Thanks for the suggestion!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue,

      Please do! Knowing you, you'll get a poem or review out of it that could later prove profitable. :-) Have I ever steered you wrong? :-)

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    2. LOL No, Ms. Banks, you have never steered me wrong. You know me well.

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    3. Sue,

      Girl, you are always a hoot. :-)

      Delete
  2. Massage therapy is also a way to overcome blogger's block. People don't understand how time and effort go into blogging which is draining.

    In addition to the benefits you listed about, getting a massage will help unclog your current thoughts and either help you come up with new ideas or shed new light on old ones.

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  3. This is something I've been considering, and now that my mother in law gave me a gift card for a local salon, I think I'm going to go for it. :)

    Have a great week!

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    Replies
    1. Karen,

      Great! You deserve it...and you'll love it too. Did you get my B.D. card?

      Delete
  4. Jen, every now and then, on my birthday, I take the day off and treat myself to a massage. Massages are so relaxing. Thanks for reminding us of the need to pamper ourselves from time to time.

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    Replies
    1. Yasmin,

      You work hard, so why not? Great to hear from you today...as always.

      Delete
  5. I'll pass on this one. The only time I had a massage, it triggered a massive migraine!

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    Replies
    1. Susan,

      So sorry to hear this. But, it could be the "type" of massage, or even the masseuse. Perhaps if you tried it again you might have a different experience. You'll never know for sure if you don't... Thanks for adding to the mix here. :-)

      Delete