By It’s been a tough year for healthcare workers. For most of us, the COVID-19 pandemic led to longer shifts and more stress, while reaffirming the need for self-care. If your body has experienced more wear and tear than usual over the last 16 months, it might be time for a massage. Don’t neglect your health as you continue fighting for your patients. Discover the surprising benefits of regular massage.
Get Back to Feeling Like Your Old Self with Regular Self-Care
Many of us consider getting a massage to be an extravagant luxury, but it’s actually an important part of regular self-care. According to the National University of Health Sciences, regular massage therapy can lead to:
- Improved physical and mental wellness for dealing with the stress of nursing
- Reduced physical pain, including muscle aches, stiff joints, tension, and other work-related injuries
- Increased immune function for staying healthy during cold and flu season
- Better physical fitness to help you take control of your body when you’re not at work
Getting a massage is a more natural way to deal with your pain compared to using OTC pain medications, muscle relaxers, opioids, and even addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. We all like to unwind at the end of the day, but these habits can be just as expensive as getting a massage while increasing the risk of dependency.
To get started, search for “massage near me” in Google or another applicable search engine. You should find a number of suitable massage parlors and spas in your area. Read through the online reviews to get a better sense of what kinds of services they offer and how much they cost to see if they have what you’re looking for. The person giving the massage should be a licensed massage therapist with a long history of helping people deal with everyday aches, pains, and tension.
Some people may not be comfortable with the idea of letting a stranger touch their naked body. If you’re not ready to de-robe, you can always ask the massage therapist if they can work on your muscles with your clothes on or while you’re covered with a sheet. If you feel more comfortable working with someone of the same gender, consider calling ahead to see if you can request a specific massage therapist. The receptionist or massage therapist should help you prepare for your first session, so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
Track Your Progress
Getting a massage in San Diego, Phoenix, Los Angeles, or wherever you happen to live shouldn’t be a one-time affair. If you really want to utilize the benefits of massage, you should commit to going on a regular basis, such as once or twice a month or once every two months.
You should see a noticeable improvement after your first couple sessions, including reduced aches and pains, improved mood, and less stress. You might find yourself drinking or smoking less when you’re not at work or not having to take as many pain medications to fall asleep. If your problems aren’t going away, talk to your massage therapist about these issues, so they can focus on what’s most important to your health. Just like your primary care physician, it’s best to stick with the same licensed therapist, so you can both track your progress over time.
If you think of getting a massage as a luxury, you’ll probably be less inclined to go on a regular basis. We can easily talk ourselves out of going if we feel like we don’t deserve a treat. Train yourself to think of it as a necessary part of your regular routine, so you don’t feel guilty making time during the week. Muscle aches, chronic pain, and tension will only slow you down on the job. The added stress of the pandemic can also chip away at your self-worth and overall job satisfaction. The more relaxed you are at work, the better you can care for your patients.
There are so many things we can’t control in today’s turbulent world, but the one thing you should be able to control is your health. Treat yourself to a massage in Los Angeles or wherever you call home to find the relief you’ve been searching for.
