But What About Everyone Else?

I recently had a conversation with a friend about our small businesses.  We were discussing the difficulty of convincing people to take time and money to spend on themselves and their wellness.  Our target markets have a lot of overlap -- busy women who spend a lot of time taking care of other people.  These are women who would move heaven, earth and all the spaces in between to do something for their loved ones, but rarely overturn a stone to do something for themselves.

 My friend runs a dance and fitness studio, and made the (very convincing) case that spending time at her studio actually brings benefit to the people women care for.  The women who exercise are healthier, have more energy, may actually live longer, etc. 

But wait, I thought, massage does that too!  Massage provides a real and tangible benefit not only to the person who receives the massage, but to everyone in her life.  I realized that we as massage therapists don't talk enough about his benefit, and we need to.  So, here is my short list of reasons why your massage helps everyone around you (with links to more information):

--Massage helps you sleep better, giving you the rest you need to stay focused. 

--Massage reduces anxiety and depression, allowing you to stay connected to the people you love, and really experience the joys of your life.

--Massage reduces pain and tension, allowing you to move freely through your day. This also allows you to maintain an exercise routine and have access to all the benefits of that.

-- Massage may enhance alertness, allowing you to attend to what is important.

So, for all of you out there who do for others, who think of others first, I ask you: Don't your family, friends, coworkers, clients, etc. deserve the rested, calm, alert and relaxed best version of you?  Massage is not a luxury indulgence.  It is a vehicle to reach and become your better self.