Guys- I did something amazing this weekend. Something I think EVERYONE should do atleast once a month. Something that ranks up in importance with exercise and nutrition, IMO-

I got a massage.

Maybe this is something you already incorporate into your regular self care plan (I hope so!), but massage was always something I thought of as indulgent. That I gifted to my loved ones or to myself on vacation. Something I’ve always convinced myself was great, but not necessary, when I have so many other places to direct my money.

But, boy is that wrong. I’ve known the benefits of massage for a long time, but it’s something you have to remind yourself of sometimes, ya know??
What are the benefits?? Glad you asked…

According to the Mayo Clinic, massage can help people with:

*anxiety

*depression

*digestive disorders

*fibromyalgia

*headaches

*insomnia

*nerve pain

*postoperative conditions

*scar tissue, muscle strains and injuries and TMJ

What’s cool about massage is it offers several pathways to healing, including improved circulation, increased flexibility, improved immune response, lower stress response, and decreased inflammation. So- you may be heading into a massage to treat yourself after a stressful workweek, but notice that muscle stiffness in your back or hip is better afterwards. Book a few more sessions, and you start noticing better sleep and less migraines per month. Heck- maybe that’ll help you stick with it and you develop some improved immunity and stress levels. And who doesn’t want that heading into cold and flu season?!!

I’ve been referring clients to a few local massage therapists over the years, but I’ll be doing that much more frequently, as my research into integrative health supports the importance of it so much.

This fall, I’m also committing to a regular massage schedule. I know it costs money, but this goes right into the list of things I’m willing to pay for for improved health- much like clean food, acupuncture and good quality supplements.
If massage isn’t something you enjoy or can afford right now, no worries!! You can get many of the same benefits from foam rolling, dry brushing and (my favorite)- daily meditation.

Tell us- how are you committing to a healthier, calmer you this fall??

To your health,

Jess 🍁🍁🍁