Photo courtesy of richardjeffers.abmp.com
Since I started my monthly book recommendation article, I figured I’d start another recurring post: my favorite things. Although not nearly as expensive as Oprah’s My Favorite Things lists, my “list” will only consist of my favorite thing for the month. I guess it’s really not a list, but a bullet point. Regardless, I figured this might give people ideas to discover their own favorite things throughout the year.
Kicking off my “favorite things” post is one of God’s gifts to stressed out people. It’s relaxing, feels good and, depending on the place, not too expensive. Meet the massage.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of having someone rub your back, legs, feet and arms for long periods of time then I truly believe you’ve never experienced pure heaven. Chocolate can only get you so far. I’ve always been one to love getting my feet rubbed. When I was a little kid, I’d seek out my Nana at family gatherings, sit down in front of her and throw my feet up in the air so that she could rub them for a bit. She always gives the best foot rubs. The honor of being “Sam’s royal foot servant” has now been passed down to BF. Such a lucky guy.
I got my first massage at 17, and haven’t looked back since. I usually reserve massages for special occasions or when I’m in an awesome location. In other words, I get one when I’m on vacations (check out one of my favorite spas in the world). Now, I ask for spa gift cards for birthdays and Christmas because I like to get them a little more regularly.
I had one yesterday and almost teared up when my hour was over. I get so relaxed! Sometimes to the point of almost falling asleep. As I’m writing this post, I’m plotting my schedule so that I can get another massage soon.
Now, if your like BF and get turned off by the idea of walking into a spa because “guys just don’t go to spas”, I urge you to reconsider. You have to think past the soothing music and white fluffy robes and realize that spas aren’t just about being girly, but about relaxing your body, alleviating stress and boosting your mood. These are things women and men can both benefit from.
Here are some of the benefits of massages if my rambling hasn’t convincing you yet.
Even babies get them! If a baby can do it, you can, too.
Photo courtesy of newbornbabyzone.com
- Alleviate lower back pain and improve range of motion.
- Help athletes of all levels prepare for, and recover from strenuous workouts.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the body’s natural defense system.
- Relieve migraine pain.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
(For more benefits click here)
And if you have a specific gender preference for your massage therapist, don’t be afraid to request it. I tend to ask for women because that makes me feel more comfortable. I know a lot of men tend to request women, as well, because the thought of a hairy-armed guy rubbing aromatherapy oil all over them doesn’t sound all to appealing. That’s OK. It’s all about being comfortable, and who doesn’t like being comfortable?
Massages really are good for your body not just because they feel AWESOME, but they really do improve your body physically and mentally. Give it a try, and let me know what you think. I guarantee you won’t find many things better than it.
Live, Laugh, Lighty 
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Great piece. Always a good read