Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68009
CHECK OUT MASSAGEANDBODYWORK.COM FOR ADDITIONAL RESPONSES TO THIS MONTH'S QUESTION. I follow the advice I give to my clients: make "me time" every day. Tending to myself is the best way I can be a whole and healthy therapist for my clients. My favorite "me time" activities are simply sitting quietly and enjoying morning solitude, spending time with my animals, and expressing gratitude for the smallest and most commonplace things in life. Linda Maureen Sanches Livermore, California Over the years and through trial and error, I continue to develop a toolbox of sorts to help take care of myself. While always trying to cultivate a good dose of self-awareness, I will implement what I might need. Some of the support I offer myself may include exercise, proper nutrition, quiet time, talking things over with a trusted [friend], taking a day off (and enjoying it), time in the sunshine, aromatherapy, and of course, I schedule regular massages. I believe that this profession has a hidden blessing. It demands that we take care of ourselves or we simply will not thrive as massage therapists. MARYANNE GILBERT GOLDEN, COLORADO When I first began working as a massage therapist, I was working as an independent contractor 4–5 days (approximately 18–22 clients) a week. My body took the toll after a while and I knew if I wanted to keep this up, taking care of myself was first priority. So here's what I did: each day I returned home from seeing clients, I would do a hot/cold bath for my arms and hands. Filling one side of the sink with steaming hot water and the other with ice cubes and icy cold water, I would immerse my arms all the way to my elbows in each side for 1–2 minutes, then switch to the other side, continuing back and forth. I received massages twice a month with the studio I was working at or I would find a trade. I would have them scheduled in advance so that I wouldn't miss one. And finally, I had a heart-to-heart conversation with my ego and told it that it was OK to set boundaries on how many clients I could see without becoming exhausted. I let go of one day at the studio and took a yoga class on that day instead. AMY ASHBURN EMERYVILLE, CALIFORNIA I don't like to exercise, but I knew if I wanted to keep working at a job I loved, I better get on the ball! Just a minimal amount each week has made a huge difference in strengthening my muscles; I no longer have that hip pain that used to bother me. This has also helped mentally by giving me the confidence that I can work as much as I want and still feel good, and it gives me more energy so I drink less coffee. Don't worry if you can't exercise as often or as much as you want; just do something each week and give yourself a pat on the back for that. NAOMI BERGNER BREVARD, FLORIDA Being active, I had to modify my schedule so that I did not paddle or lift weights just before or after massaging. Also, I coach and receive massage at student clinics to learn new techniques and revive my body. I worked for physical therapists and now perform chair massage about eight hours per week through an employer. This, along with my private practice with several favorite modalities (barefoot, trigger point, myofascial release, Swedish, and craniosacral) have allowed me to mentally and physically cross-train to keep myself healthy and interested, and my clients saying wonderful things—quite a change from the less positive working conditions and attitudes in bridge construction engineering, from which I fully migrated last year. I am happy now, but respect my limits. PAUL SVACINA GOLETA, CALIFORNIA I have made notes in my charts about the table height I need for any given client. I have these notes kept on a separate form in each chart. I can also include notes about special events in the lives of my clients here. Let's face it—my memory isn't what it could be for things like this, so the notes are a lifesaver, both for my mind and my body. HEATHER SEALS DALLAS, OREGON visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 31