Being a massage therapist means you are committed to the comfort and relaxation of your clients and help them to achieve greater levels of stress-relief and overall well-being. With such a focus on your clients, it can be easy to overlook your own needs when it comes to health and wellness. The irregular hours and long schedule that are often required in this line of work can make it a challenge to find time to eat well and exercise, making it tempting to opt for fast food and snack on sweet treats between appointments.
This article will explore some healthy habits which you can incorporate into your busy lifestyle to help you perform at your best, physically and mentally, enabling you to provide the best service for your clients.
Diet and Nutrition
Nourish your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy and energized. Rather than grabbing something fast and convenient between appointments, consider bringing your own meals to work by preparing them in advance at home. This will not only save you money but will also help to promote your health and nutritional needs throughout the day. Take inspiration from the following ideas healthy lunch ideas:
- Avocado and tuna sandwich
- Roasted vegetable wrap
- Quinoa tabbouleh salad
- Loaded vegetable sandwich
- Lentil and butternut squash soup
- Vegetable rice pilaf
- Tomato and olive pasta
Instead of a sugary snack opt for some fresh fruit or one of these keto-friendly JiMMY protein bars which are low in carbohydrates and sugar and will still satisfy your sweet tooth.
Make the Most of Your Breaks
You may not have an hour to go to the gym, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use your downtime to your advantage. In just a few short minutes, you can work on your fitness but doing some strengthening exercises to tone up your muscles or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises to get your pulse racing. In a HIIT workout, you alternate short bursts of intense activity that last anywhere from 10 to 60 seconds with brief recovery periods. For example, you could sprint for 20 seconds, then walk for 10 to 30 seconds before doing a short round of burpees or jumping jacks.
Stretching is another beneficial activity for your body, which helps to increase blood flow, joint movement as well as improve your ability to perform your work as a massage therapist. The yoga postures involved in the Sun Salutation sequence are a fast and effective way to tone and strengthen your entire body while increasing your energy and awareness levels.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for your body to undertake necessary functions such as digesting foods, removing waste, regulating your body temperature and increasing your energy levels. Keep a water bottle by your side, and remember to hydrate yourself between appointments. Popping a straw in your bottle can make it easier to take a sip of water while working, and adding a little fruit juice or a slice of lemon can make drinking water more enjoyable.
By following the advice in this article, you can begin taking care of your health and wellness needs and ensure you are in great condition for yourself and for your clients.
