Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68009
'ROUND THE TABLE UPCOMING TOPICS DEADLINE Please e-mail your 'Round the Table submissions (200 words or less) to darren@ abmp.com. Submission does not guarantee inclusion. Also, due to space constraints, your material may be edited. Tell us about one thing that's made you a better MT. What single piece of advice would you give to students ready to graduate from massage school and enter the field? How have you incorporated design into your office/massage space to make it welcoming to clients? Mentally I care for myself by spending time every morning and evening appreciating how fortunate I am to have so much love in my life. In the morning, while I savor my first cup of tea, I spend time with my four pets. Each of my girls—Sophie, Bailey, Sasha, and Minne—offers unconditional love in her own special way and helps me become grounded. I think about my daughters and how they have become compassionate women. At the end of each day, I spend time with the love of my life, my husband Ted. We just spend time being together. It's a great way to end each day. Physically I care for myself by paying attention to my body, stretching throughout the day, trying to make healthy choices in my diet, and getting massage regularly. NITA ACHELPOHL TROY, MISSOURI PUBLICATION DATE August 15 Nov/Dec 2009 I love due to burnout and physical discomfort. Luckily, I have been able to strike a balance between my physical and financial needs, which allows me to continue my hands-on work and to spread my love of massage to new students entering the field. That's the beauty of what we do; the hours are flexible and possibilities are endless. BOZENA BARTON October 15 Jan/Feb 2010 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA December 15 Mar/Apr 2010 Bikram yoga! I find it to be that most effective yoga I have tried thus far. It is so cleansing to the body and leaves you feeling light. It is challenging mentally, but I think I need that at times. It helps me out both mentally and physically. I do understand massage is such a giving profession and at times I feel drained, but pampering myself keeps me going. A hot cup of cocoa or a night alone with a good book. I think just knowing your boundaries is helpful in staying vital. JOELLE ARNOLD CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO One of the greatest changes I've made in my profession as a day spa massage therapist is dropping down to three days per week. Since the demanding pace and rigorous schedule of a busy day spa takes its toll both physically and mentally, I supplement my income with teaching, spa consultation, and private sessions. I worried for some time that I just wasn't physically cut out for a decade of bodywork, or that I may have to leave a profession I see no difference between mental and physical self-care. Eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly. There's no big secret. I'm a bodyworker, personal trainer, and former yoga instructor, and in my opinion, the absolute finest self-care approach is circular strength training (CST), a health- oriented approach to fitness that covers everything a bodyworker needs. CST is a more complete and better integrated approach than yoga, tai chi, or Pilates. Regular CST practice dramatically improves breathing habits and one's ability to stay calm and grounded. JASON ERICKSON EAGAN, MINNESOTA I definitely practice what I preach. I have weekly massages and chiropractic maintenance every 6–8 weeks. These two modalities keep me in prime form as a therapist. Stretching is a daily practice that keeps me limber and in touch with my body. I love my practice as a registered massage therapist, certified reflexologist, and Thai massage practitioner with my intro level. The key balance for me is to listen to my body and book my schedule accordingly. My intention is to always provide a treatment that I myself would love and enjoy; it's the old adage "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This is the Golden Rule and the best advice on how to live your life. CATHY BALDWIN-WILSON NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA visit massageandbodywork.com to access your digital magazine 33