The Healthy Writer Blog

It’s Not Just Pampering!

Posted by Anna Sugden Nov 25 2011, 4:45 am

I must admit, I love spa treatments! If we’re ever staying somewhere with a spa, I can’t resist having at least one treatment.

Last week, my sister and I had a day at the local spa, which we’d bought each other as birthday presents. It was wonderful!

It also got me thinking. Especially, when I was having my massage and the spa therapist was shocked about the knots in my back, shoulder and neck muscles. This is a common reaction. Then you explain you’re a writer and spend most of your day at the keyboard and the therapist will nod sagely.

Even with the best chair and the best attempts at good posture, we writers are prone to causing problems with those muscles.

Then, you add in the stress associated with writing, it’s no wonder you’re a therapist’s nightmare.

Just like exercise can be a great way to relieve stress and tension and work out the kinks, so a massage or a spa treatment can be too. Just as we find other ways to chill out, recharge and refill our creative wells, so a bit of pampering can help too. You’re not only pampering your body, but pampering your brain. Even a manicure can make you feel on top of the world again.

Obviously you can’t get such treatments every day or three times a week or even every week. But it’s worth thinking about treating yourself every so often.

I can recommend it! And, vouchers for a treatment are a great gift that people can give you – if you are stuck for what you might like.

Do you enjoy spa treatments? What’s your favourite indulgence?

6 Comments

Comments

6 Responses to “It’s Not Just Pampering!”

Donna Alward says:

November 25, 2011 at 5:48 am

Anna, I have a massage therapist who is fantastic. It’s covered under my husband’s health plan and so my portion for an hour of bliss is $16. I am going next week, but I haven’t been to see her all fall and it’s really showing. Ultimately I’d like to go once a month. Realistically, I go once every 3-4 months, but it’s absolutely worth it.

It’s kind of cool there because it’s not a spa – it’s a chiropractor’s office, but they make a real effort to have a “spa” atmosphere in the room – mellow lighting, warm blanket for my feet, soft music. It’s a real treat.

Every now and again I book myself for a facial which is a total indulgence and absolute heaven. But choice number 1 is a massage for my neck and shoulders, every time.

Reply
- Anna Sugden says:
  
  November 25, 2011 at 7:50 am
  
  How lovely, Donna. Sounds perfect. Even better at that price!
  
  I’m going to hunt one out because I think I need to have a massage more than once in a blue moon. Back, neck and shoulders would be great.
  
  Reply
Michelle Butler says:

November 25, 2011 at 6:59 am

I’ve never really been able to get that into spa or massage treatments. I will get a manicure and pedicure every so often. My sister loves her regular massages and has an appointment in a couple of hours.

I will pay particular attention to stretching out/ exercising my shoulders, back and neck area because I can carry a lot of tension there.

Reply
- Anna Sugden says:
  
  November 25, 2011 at 8:44 am
  
  Some people just can’t get into the treatments, Michelle. I love manicures, but can’t really get into pedicures. And I love a really good, firm massage.
  
  I’m glad that you focus on those areas which are major stress points for us writers.
  
  Reply
Trish Milburn says:

November 25, 2011 at 9:51 am

I love massages, and I always have a frightful amount of knotted muscles. It’s been bad lately with writing and other stresses. I’d love to be wealthy enough to get a massage every week. That way maybe my muscles wouldn’t be so knotted when I go in once every few months.

Reply
- Anna Sugden says:
  
  November 25, 2011 at 11:49 am
  
  I’m not surprised, Trish! There’s a nice goal – having enough money for a weekly massage!
  
  I’m definitely going to check out massage therapists locally.
  
  Reply

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