The Importance of Self-Care

We tell our girlfriends and loved ones to “take care of you” all the time but how often are you actually listening to your own advice? 

In the last year, with all my health scares, change in diet and just plain ‘ol life throwing me more curveballs than I bargained for it was really important for me to practice the art of self-care.  Easier said than done, but a year out I feel like I’m striking more of a balance and finding ways each month to do things that make me feel good mentally and physically.  There was a hot-stone massage one month, a facial another time and pedicure done by someone else than me followed by wine with a friend.  All these acts help put me in a better space and feel grateful for what I have in my life.  I wanted to keep it going, so despite feeling a tad guilty about time away from the family, I had another massage after my birthday at LaVida Massage

lavidawoodbridge

It’s a tranquil little spot in my neighborhood that offers massages and other self-care services.  I love going there because it is a bit of an investment in taking time for me and really reaping some benefits that go beyond the time spent on the massage table. It’s both rejuvenating and therapeutic each time I do it because it relieves some of the pain I have from some of my more intense workouts.  I am beginning to think of it as more of a practice in fitness beyond a good run or class at the gym.  It is the needed balance I didn’t have before.  It helps reduce my stress, take away the ridiculous amount of shoulder pain I have from sitting at a computer and improve my body’s motion.  I sleep better and I do believe that after doing it a few months in a row it keeps my immune system healthy too. 

Regular massage goes beyond what many people think they can afford but if you factor it into your fitness or wellness budget you can create a balance in mind and body that you might have been lacking before.  I know it has helped me. 

 

MORE self-care that is super fast and easy! 

Foot Care is Self-Care

 

*Disclaimer: I was not paid for this post. Products received are for review purposes only.  Opinions are TMC’s only.