The Importance of Time for Yourself

This month has been go, go, go. Work, travel, writing deadlines, family responsibilities. I am so thankful for so many incredible opportunities and blessings, but the non-stop pace has made me a bit of a hot mess. 

After getting home from Disneyland, I noticed my shoulder was really bothering me and my neck felt tighter than usual. I made a point to immediately call Massage Envy Spa and book my monthly massage. I joined Massage Envy about 18 months ago and it has been one of the best investments in me that I have ever done. We have a location just a few minutes from our home and I typically book 8 p.m. appointments, which allows me to be home for the kids’ bedtime routine and end my day on a really relaxing note.

My chiropractor recommended that I get regular massages for years, but I always felt it was too expensive and frankly, too indulgent. But Matthew and I talked about it and realized that it was neither of those things. Massage Envy Spa was way more affordable than traditional spas and, more importantly, it was something that I needed, both physically and emotionally.

I left my recent massage feeling better than I had in weeks. It was just what I needed in the midst of a busy month. It helped me to release some tension, take care of myself and be better able to handle all my responsibilities.

Here are three reasons I like having a monthly massage membership:

• Forced self-care: Women need to take care of themselves and a monthly membership forces you to do that! I know that if I didn’t have a monthly membership, I would not have gotten that massage. Setting up a monthly payment to Massage Envy Spa has kept me committed to my massage routine. Yes, I miss sometimes, but I don’t go nearly as long between massage therapy appointments as I used to.
• Ability to transfer or combine: The nice thing is that if you have a few massages “banked” you can combine them for a longer massage (90 minutes is pretty heavenly) or transfer them to someone else. (I just transferred one to Matthew!)
• Convenience: Our Massage Envy Spa location is very close to our home. If it was 20 minutes away, I probably wouldn’t schedule the time.

I have learned over the years that many women don’t make themselves a priority. If this rings true for you, let me say this: you are doing you and your family a disservice. Taking care of yourself and your body’s needs is incredibly important. In my own life, I have found that when I don’t take care of myself, my family suffers. I become tired, moody, short-tempered, stressed and just not my best self. A monthly massage is just one way I am diligent about my own self-care.

Do you get monthly massages? Have you noticed a difference in your stress level?

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Massage Envy. Since I am a long-time member and genuinely believe in the importance of self-care, I was honored to participate in this campaign.