5 Things I've Learned in 4 Years of Business

This month I’m celebrating the 4 year anniversary of opening Holistic Healing Massage & Spa in Des Moines. Four years ago, I set out on my own to create a massage practice that helped people in the best way I knew how -- holistically with passion and compassion. In that time, I’ve learned a lot of things about myself, my industry, and my clients.

1. The power of energy work. In addition to being a licensed massage therapist, I’m also professionally trained and licensed in a variety of energy modalities. Since opening the massage practice four years ago, I’ve become a Reiki master and trained in Access Consciousness. The healing power of massage is wonderful, but it’s miraculous what adding energy work to your routine can do. I’ve seen patients find real, holistic healing from the energy work that they may have never seen from traditional massage alone.
2. Not everybody likes to be massaged or touched. As a massage therapist, this has been quite the revelation for me, but it’s true -- not everyone likes to be massaged. But the really cool thing is -- I have learned new ways to help them heal without using heavy touch. With neural reset therapy, I’m able to use specific, light movements that help the muscles relax. The results can be as good as a deep tissue massage without as much body contact. I love learning all the new modalities to treat each client individually.
3. Feeling beautiful is important to health. Over the past 4 years, I’ve continued my education to include spa and beauty treatments like eco fin, sugar scrubs, and polishes. These treatments help my clients feel beautiful, pampered, and cared for. You’d be surprised how much healthy you can be, just by feeling better about yourself.
4. Taking care of myself needs to be a top priority. Even though as a massage therapist I understand how important self-care is, I don’t always follow my own advice. Since opening my own business, I’ve learned first hand how important it is that I practice self-care to keep myself holistically healthy. Now I focus on this by creating a healthy home environment by using himalayan salt lamps, natural cleaning products, and natural beauty products.
5. My clients are like friends and family. The very best part about my massage practice in Des Moines is all the people I’ve met. My clients have become like friends and family. I care about their lives and really care about keeping them healthy. I feel so lucky.

Finally, I want to say a big thank you to all my friends, family, and clients that have supported me over the past 4 years with my massage practice in Des Moines. Without you, I couldn’t keep doing what I love. I feel very lucky! As I continue with my massage business, I look forward to learning new modalities, meeting new people, and helping my clients with their health.

5 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

New Year’s resolutions. Most of us make them every year -- and most of us fail. But maybe we don’t have to. I believe the best way to avoid failing is to pick resolutions you know you can actually keep. These are small, easy, and -- most important -- enjoyable things to make your 2017 just a little bit better.

1. Be mindful. I’m not going to tell you to meditate every day or plaster your bathroom mirror with positive affirmations. Just being mindful or aware of the thoughts you are having can make a huge impact on your life. Don’t judge them if they are negative -- just acknowledge them. See how it makes you feel.
2. Smile more. You can do it. I bet you can even do it right now! Just the act of smiling can release chemicals in the brain like neuropeptides, endorphins, and serotonin that can improve mood, boost your immunity, and even help you live longer.  
3. Breathe. The simple acting of taking a slow, deep breathe is health magic. It sparks the parasympathetic system to turn off the release of high-stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline for instant relaxation. Best part -- you can do this anytime, anywhere.
4. Say no. It’s ok, really. Learning to say no can be harder than it sounds, but it’s only one syllable -- so try it out. Say no if you don’t want to go to something. Say no if you’re too busy to take on more work. Say no to negative thoughts. Say no to food that makes you feel gross. Say no to whatever you want.
5. Be awesome. You already are so there’s no way you can mess this one up. Just continue to be yourself in 2017 and you’ll continue to be awesome.

What are some of your New Year’s resolutions? What do you hope to accomplish in 2017? If you have health or relaxation goals, let’s chat! I can offer you support, services, and guidance in how to reach those goals. Happy New Year!!

3 Easy and Healthy Ways to Relieve Stress this Holiday Season

Stress is unavoidable. It’s a part of life. While you navigate the holidays and try to steer yourself in the right direction in the new year, you may be wondering -- what can I do to relieve this stress besides drinking a whole bottle of wine with dinner? There is a way! Just follow these  healthy ways to relieve stress.

Exercise. I know. It’s cold outside. You’re snuggled under a blanket and you don’t want to do anything but watch Netflix. When your feet hit the cold floor, the last thing you want to do is exercise. But listen, if you really want to relieve stress -- even during this busy season -- you have to move. Exercise reduces stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.  Movement increases endorphins -- the feel good chemicals that can combat stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s probably the best thing you can do for yourself if you’re feeling stressed. And it doesn’t have to be training for a marathon -- walking for 10-15 minutes, doing gentle stretching or yoga, and dancing are all going to give you significant stress-relieving benefits.
Just breathe. Maybe you truly don’t have time -- or let’s be honest, the motivation -- to make it to yoga today. Don’t let that get in the way of the self-care and stress relief you need. Just doing breathing exercises can provide serious relaxation and stress relief. When we are anxious and stressed, we tend to breathe quick and shallow. Breathing deep and slow tells you body, “It’s ok to relax. We are calm.” Try this easy exercise anytime you feel overwhelmed (this can be done pretty much anywhere) -- 1) Breathe slowly in through your nose for 4 counts. 2) Exhale through your mouth for 4 counts. 3) repeat until you feel calmer. 4) Be amazed at how easy this all is.
Massage. You knew this was going to come up right? But of course, massage is a healthy alternative to drinking a gallon of spiked eggnog at the end of a long week. On top of its countless health benefits, massage is a perfect way to relieve stress and truly relax. In just one hour (or less) you could be leaving the massage table in a completely different state of mind. Treat yourself!