As a massage therapist, you thrive off the energy of making others feel good. But what happens when you find yourself physically and mentally stuck? Mind/body balance is important for those practicing within the massage and bodywork profession. As clients are looking to you for health and relaxation, it can be difficult to stay inspiring when you yourself are not feeling inspired. Take a step back from your practice and pull yourself out of that rut with these four tips and tricks!
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Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Asking for help can be a huge weight lifted off of your shoulders, especially those of us who know exactly how much stress you can carry in your shoulders! You can delegate tasks at work or at home with a partner. Sometimes, vocalizing your needs can help you get back on the right track. Plus, having a few more minutes in the day can help you tackle looming tasks you’ve been putting off (like doing that never-ending pile of laundry, completing those unfinished SOAP notes, or answering that mounting pile of emails), making you feel more accomplished.
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Read or watch something inspiring
It’s not always easy to inspire yourself. But there is inspiration all around us. If you’re a nature person, take some more walks and get out in the sunshine. Really pay attention to the way the birds sound, the water ripples and the wind feels on your skin. Think about the poets you love, or the artists that were inspired by nature and in turn, inspired you. If you’re more of an indoor animal, watch some TED talks or read inspiring articles about successful people. You’ll learn a lot and will have a renewed sense of purpose. If you have a long commute, try listening to a podcast about a new topic you’d like to learn more about (personal finance, for example).
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Write it down
Oftentimes, it’s hard to verbalize why we’re in a rut, especially with any eloquence. If you think it might be hard to explain to a friend, grab a few sheets of paper and start writing out how you feel. Now turn that sheet of paper over and start writing some things that you love. Every time you feel something on the front page, do something on the back page. Taking a little time to suss out your feelings on paper will help you get some clarity.
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Heed your own advice
Massage therapists are always teaching their clients ways to relax, but can find it difficult to implement these things in their own lives. Take some time to relax, rework your mind and stretch your body. Getting back in touch with yourself will help clear your mind and prepare to be inspired.
Do you have more tips for keeping things fresh and avoiding mental or emotional burnout? We want to hear what works for you!
Good pieces of advice, thanks for the awesome read. I usually try to avoid burnouts by doing yoga massage.