Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/97768
don't burn out T hree years and hundreds of hours of soul searching later, I ended up in massage school. As I look back now over my 17 years as a massage therapist, I see just how much it has changed my life. One of many things I reflect upon is how I lasted this long in a profession where burnout and injury are prevalent. What follows is my view of how I've been able to succeed over this period of time—one humble veteran's guide to career longevity. Create and Sustain a Unique Self-Care Routine Outside of the treatment room, self-care is the quintessential element of career longevity in bodywork. Despite being very good at taking care of others, when I started going to massage school and working a full-time job, self-care was a foreign concept to me. I began with exercising, something I had been doing since I started swimming at 6 years old, and drinking more water. The lesson here is to begin to build your self-care routine with something that you're already doing. More importantly, begin with something that you can sustain over time and turn into a habit. There are varying thoughts on how long it takes to form a habit, from 21–66 days, but what it undoubtedly takes is the willingness to begin, followed by consistent action. Once one habit is formed, add something else. Keep adding until you have your unique self-care routine. If it's not tailored to your life, the likelihood of you sustaining it is nil. The following is my self-care routine. Take what might work for you and modify any part of it to fit your life and lifestyle. Stay hydrated. My clients would say I'm a water fanatic. I drink at least 64 ounces of water a day, starting when I exercise and continuing all day long. Move. I move or exercise at least five days a week. My activities include Pilates, strength training, walking, yoga, and Zumba, among other things. Get regular bodywork. I get a minimum of two massages a month, usually 90 minutes each. Care for your hands and feet. I get a manicure and pedicure every 4–6 weeks and take care of my nails and cuticles between appointments. 68 massage & bodywork january/february 2013 Eat well. I eat smaller portions 5–6 times a day to keep my body fueled. Practice mindfulness. I use a guided audio meditation for at least 15 minutes, 2–3 times a week to keep me grounded, centered, able to respond better to life's challenges, and be more present for my clients. Connect with close friends. I reach out via email, phone, or text message to get in touch with one of my close friends at least three times a week for support and camaraderie. Additionally, I meet with a close friend in person at least once a month. Connect with a Mentor and/or Community Whether you work in a private setting, with just a few other massage therapists, or in a group environment such as a spa or doctor's office, finding community with other practitioners is important. I know that you're thinking, "That's my competition!" but a support system can be critical as you navigate different types of clients, business and professional issues, and the outpouring of physical, mental, and emotional energy that being a massage therapist requires. I work in a small office with two other people, attend professional conferences, have been a volunteer in the massage profession, and touch base regularly with my mentors. This offers me opportunities to vent frustrations about my practice, vet business ideas, gain insight about certain clients, and gain support both professionally and personally. My mentors and other confidants have become good friends, and I highly value these relationships. To gain an online outlet 24-7, be sure to check out www. massageprofessionals.com, a social