Guest Author : Darren Peck

Everybody is finding it necessary to tighten belts during these times of uncertainty. Incomes are becoming less disposable and more protected than in recent years.

Unsure of the stability of the economy, many are looking at their lifestyles and trimming a lot of ‘non-essential’ expenses from their budget.

The question exists, “What is essential, and what can I do without?”

For many locally owned businesses this decision can have a profound impact. The antiques and collectible stores, the home décor retailers, just to name a few.

One area many deem ‘non-essential’ is that of self care or treatments such as massage therapy. As a massage therapist I find that one of the first items eliminated from many budgets is massage.

Is this a beneficial cut?…
When a person is thrown many curve-balls in situations like an economic downturn, stress and the effects of stress always go hand in hand. Worries about job loss, reduced housing values, increased gas prices etc., all add to the pressures and stress we encounter.

This affects our bodies by lowering our immune systems, putting our nervous system on high alert which in turn causes muscles to tighten and tension to form particularly in the neck and shoulders.

Have you found that a good nights sleep is not so easy to come by lately? Or that you have experienced increased headaches, or the feeling that you are wearing you shoulders as earrings?

This is only the start of the domino effect your body goes through. Each of our systems are delicately and complexly connected.  One trouble spot can affect so many other areas so much so that it soon becomes difficult to pinpoint the source.

“But”, I hear you say, “ the cost of massage is something I cannot budget for!” Try analyzing what your budget includes that could be cut BEFORE massage.

Do you need your star bucks coffee every morning?  Maybe a doughnut or breakfast sandwich.  How about fast-food lunches and dinners? For instance, if you had your favorite latte and a sandwich from the dollar menu every day, that’s a quick $25 each week! Not counting weekends and if you decide to splurge for the combo.

That’s $100 a month! A lot more than you would pay at many places for one hour of self-care, and a lot better for you too!

So don’t be hasty. Think about the long term. Our bodies are our greatest asset whether the market is bull or bear. If we commit to making sure our bodies are in peak working condition, running efficiently through good and bad climates, then we will survive the harsh storms and cruise through the good times with the health to enjoy the fruits of our labors.

Call your local massage therapist and discuss with them what plans would suit your needs. You will find many of them will be happy to talk to you about a plan of action. Some will even consult for free to make sure you know exactly what will work best.

Health and happiness to you all,
Darren Peck C.M.T
Daydreamz Massage Therapy

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