If you are not extremely busy in today's society, you are the exception. We are all in high gear; we overextend, overachieve, and overstress ourselves to the point of breaking. This can have a lasting negative effect on our health! Here are a few tips to break the cycle:
 
1. Gratitude
It's so easy to be upset when things do not go our way. From the moment we spill our coffee, lock our keys in the car, and forget our lunch, a spiral of circumstances can set us off into a tailspin of negativity. We can choose to stay in a state of discontent and let that dictate our day, or we can be grateful for the other things in our lives even if they are not present in front of us right now.
Did you ever notice that when something nice happens, we tend to smile for a moment and then move on? However, when something goes wrong, we feel the need to tell everyone and anyone that will listen. It is in those exact moments that we need to focus on what we are grateful for, and that is how we can instantly change our perspective and attitude.
Keeping the focus on gratitude offers your mind something to smile about, regardless of outside circumstances. Focusing on people, places and even things that make you grateful, gives your mind a break from stress.

2. Stillness
Everyone has a busy schedule; that's a fact. We all tend to create schedules that are overflowing and then complain that we do not have time for ourselves! Take a good hard look at your schedule and see what you can delete and what you can delegate. If you are going to have a healthy mind, you need to take care of it just as you would your body, and that means giving it some rest.
One tip for quieting your mind is to put it on your schedule. Put it in beg red pen on your calendar, text yourself a reminder, and place it on your list of things to do this week. Take time for you.
 
3. Stay in the Moment
Being in the moment has become cliché; however, if you really take the time to focus on what it means, you can start to practice quietening your mind. Focus on what you are doing at the exact moment you are doing it. If you are washing a dish focus on the water, the soap bubbles and the dish is in your hand. When you take time to do this, you will be in the moment and not two days from now when something big is scheduled.    
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If this is your first massage or your 100th, there may be a few things you could do to improve your experience. The number one thing you can do is to communicate with your therapist. This is the most important thing you can do. Massage Therapists are not mind readers. We cringe when we hear someone talking about how much they hated a past massage because of something that could have easily been corrected if they would have just asked. We conducted an online survey with our clients and every single thing they were not happy with could have easily been adjusted to fit their needs. For example, two said the massage room was too cold. We have a heater, a table warmer and an extra blanket in facility at all times, you just have to ask.  Massage Therapists are here to make you as comfortable as we can so you can relax and receive the most beneficial treatment possible. Outside of good communication with your therapist what can you do to get the most out of your next massage?


Tips to get the most out of your massage:

1. Arrive a few minutes early . If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state it may take longer to relax. Allow a few extra minutes before your scheduled session especially if this is your first visit;  you will need to complete a Client Intake Form if you have not done so online.
2. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the Massage Therapist know your expectations and reasons for the massage.
3. Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don't want to remove your clothing, wear something that will be comfortable during the massage. We have had clients who stay completely clothed and others who remove everything. Massage Therapists are professionals, you will not be judged and areas we are not working will stay covered.
4.  Privacy- The therapist will either leave the room while you undress. A sheet or towel is provided for draping during the massage and the therapist will uncover only the part of the body being massaged, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. At no point in time will the Massage Therapist reach under the sheet to massage an area of the body. 
5. Most Massage Therapists play music during the massage session. Let your Massage Therapist know if you have a music preference or if you prefer no music. We use Pandora and have the ability to change the station to something you love to relax to.
6. Don't  be afraid to discuss apprehensions or concerns. It's important that you are as comfortable as possible during your massage. 
7. Remember to breathe normally.  Breathing helps facilitate relaxation. People often limit their breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged.
8. Relax your muscles and your mind. Tightening up by contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. Let your Massage Therapist know this is happening.  They may need to adjust the technique or use a lighter pressure. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and quiet your mind is to follow the hands of the Massage Therapist and focus on how the touch feels.
9. Be prepared to schedule a session before you leave. Massage has the greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic benefits of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and more quickly your body will respond. If you are receiving massage to address chronic muscular  tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed.
10. If you enjoyed your experience, share your favorite part with your therapist, tell your friends or leave a review. A recommendation is one of the biggest compliments a Massage Therapist can receive.