Happy Thursday!
Like everyone on Planet Earth, I’ve been running around a lot lately. So much so that I didn’t realize how much I needed to #takeaminute, until I was laying face down on a massage table with an elbow in my back.
The harder my gal had to work (I honestly was going to suggest she get a chisel), the more I knew I was long overdue to “have a little work done.” I vowed then and there to prioritize massages and self care.
My shoulders and back were a knotted mess - no doubt from hours hunched over a keyboard, the stressful moments throughout the day where I tend to tense up and not breathe like I’m supposed to, moments of bad posture… need I go on?
Raise your hand if you can relate to any of the above. (🙋🏼♀️ 🙋🏼♀️ 🙋🏼♀️ 🙋🏼♀️)
And, while I understand that massages are not always cost or time effective, I feel like they’re an investment in physical and mental health.
Not only does a massage chip away at the lifetime of stress I have stored in my shoulders, neck and upper back, it also forces me to stop, UNPLUG (something I need to do more often), and rest…for at least 50 minutes. I love a massage because it’s a time when nothing is expected of me - except lay down, breathe when I’m told, and roll over half way through. Not too tough.
And as it turns out, I often have epiphanies in the middle of a massage… sort of like the other day, when I realizedWhat I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:
We need to make it a point to schedule time where nothing is expected of us, and we can simply recharge and give our bodies what they need most.
It’s so important to set aside time in our busy lives to say, “This time is for me to take care of my body, mind, and spirit.”
Whatever it is that allows you to disconnect and unwind, this is your sign to make time for it.
Today. Tomorrow.
Every. Single. Day.
This is what I’m talkin’ about.
And with that, I’m going to leave you to your thoughts. I’ve included a bunch of great links that will help you be kind (to yourselves) and unwind.
✌️,
Abbey
Listen
Wellness Her Way Podcast - Lymphatic Drainage: The Key to Reducing Inflammation with Rebecca Faria - learn about the many benefits of lymphatic massage!
The Everygirl talks to Drybar founder Alli Webb on How She Almost Lost Herself - including this podcast because it has a ton of life lessons, but also because Alli Webb is onto the whole massage thing… her latest venture is Squeeze - a massage franchise sweeping the nation.
Something Fun
I ran in Ronda, Spain this morning, even though I was in Birmingham, Alabama (and live in Wisconsin). This logistical word puzzle could be yours too if you took your phone or device to the treadmill and searched for a virtual run or walk in your favorite destination.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What are the Top 3 Nature Areas in Thailand?” check out this YouTube - coming to you from a super cool kid who knows how to put a video together. (A friend of mine posted this on his FB and I had to show this kid some love.)
Watch
If you’re into documentaries, here are a bunch released this fall and for the holiday saps it’s never too early to start - here are 60 options.
Read
Because we’re all about massage and self care this week, check out 25 reasons to get a massage, a list of self-care books (from daily self-care to self-care if you’ve suffered a trauma or loss), and the best books to bring to a spa day or getaway.
Or, just want some feel good books? Here are 25 titles that will help.
Travel
If the upcoming holiday season already has you crazed, get a wellness getaway on your calendar. Here are the 10 Best Wellness Retreats, some all inclusive spas for a weekend getaway, or maybe… book a weekend trip to a fun city. (Change of pace is considered self-care, too!)
Side-note: I’m writing this from the Alamite, a boutique hotel in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Love the vibe, great rooms, and the location can’t be beat for shopping, college games, cool restaurants, bars, and golf.
Eat/Cook
A green detox smoothie to stabilize a bit after Thanksgiving, smoothie ideas for breakfast or snacks, and healthy & light lunch ideas for school or work.
I can’t believe I’ve never shared a salmon salad recipe. Here are three: one from Eating Bird Food, another from Downshiftology (if you like tuna salad) , and a third from Spain on a Fork.
Buy
Keep the effects of your massage going and get better sleep in general with a new mattress - find out the top mattresses here, order your new mattress in box -(here are the best “bed in a box” mattresses), and sleeping tips if you have back or neck pain.
On a serious note…
As we start the holiday season, closing with this reminder: take care of yourself.
Sleep.
Eat well.
Make time for movement.
And make time for you.
Until next week,
Abbey