Too often, massage therapists forget to take the time to receive massages, as they tend to always be busy giving a massage! Burnout can be prevented by frequently getting massaged, and while it is sometimes difficult to make time in your busy schedule for your own well being, it is critical to receive massages as a massage therapist. This not only keeps your body well and feels amazing, but it also reminds you how it feels from your clients’ perspective to receive massage and helps you grow as a massage therapist.
Some massage therapists report experiencing “massage burnout” when they do not receive massages at least once or twice a month (at the very least! More is always better). When massage therapists receive massages from either a co-worker or another massage therapist at a separate practice, it helps to refresh the reason behind the desire to become a massage therapist, helps you recognize the benefits of the therapy, and gives you energy and new ideas to bring back to your own clients.
If you work in a practice with other massage therapists, it is important to block off your schedule once a week or once every two weeks to relax, stay centered, and trade a massage. Burnout can truly be avoided from even just one or two monthly sessions! These sessions do not have to be long or intensive, but should address any specific areas of concern, adhesions, or tension.
Exercise, Eat Well, and Rest
For many massage therapists, performing several massages each day or week is exercise enough! When utilizing proper body mechanics, you should feel like you have just had a great workout after a massage session, but if you are feeling exhausted and worn out instead, things like strength training exercises may be the key to building endurance and giving a better massage. Burnout happens to many massage therapists when they start feeling fatigued and exhausted from work. While infrequent, this can be due to a combination of things: not enough exercise, sleep, or food…and can also possibly result from simply overbooking yourself and burning the candle at both ends. Most therapists know to take care of themselves, rest, and eat well, but some people are naturally inclined to be workaholics, and it is important to get some well-deserved downtime!
Burnout, for many massage therapists, occurs wh