Massage: The Antidote to Tax Season Stress
You’ve been hunched over your desk reviewing your financial records and preparing to file your taxes. You’re in the homestretch, however you have more to review and your mind and body could use some relief. Or, perhaps you’re an accountant and you haven’t seen daylight in weeks due to filing returns for your clients. None of us are alone in how we’re feeling during this time of year.
Stress, whether it’s during tax season or any other time of year, takes a toll on our physical and mental well-being. Disconnecting, even for an hour, can spell relief.
And the research is no surprise. According to the 17th Annual Consumer Study by the American Massage Therapy Association, 75% of individuals surveyed claim their primary reason for receiving a massage in the past twelve months was medical (43%) and stress (32%) related. 88% view massage as beneficial to overall health and wellness.
According to the International Spa Association 2013 U.S. Spa Industry Study, there are over 343,000 employed in the spa industry and over 19,000 spas. These numbers reflect a positive growth in the industry and an opportunity to support many of us looking to reduce stress and increase overall wellness. “The number one reason both men and women visit a spa worldwide is to learn how to manage their stress. Men and women may deal with stress in different ways, but they both find spas as a management tool,” says ISPA President Lynne McNees. “As a global society, we are experiencing more stress than ever before and seeking alternative ways to cope. Receiving a massage or facial, taking time to meditate, or visiting a spa; these activities give you permission to pause.”
While there are several ways to relieve stress, a massage is one of the most effective in relaxing and rejuvenating your mind and body. And I’m of the belief that consistent massage sessions are key to reducing stress and beneficial for overall wellness. As someone involved in the spa industry, getting a massage is important to me and I’ve always been aware of the membership type programs, however it wasn’t until recently that I looked into them a little further. I’ve come to the conclusion that one of the most affordable ways to incorporate massage into your lifestyle, and not just during tax season, is to consider a membership program like the one offered at Massage Envy.
With a Massage Envy membership program you have access to all of their locations across the country (over 960) so membership has no borders and I also liked the other benefit of preferred booking times and member-only specials. One of the best benefits is their customized approach to massage therapy as the client and therapist work together to create the massage session that best fits what the client needs and as a recent first time guest I found the pre-arrival call to be most helpful. It offered the opportunity to share my goals before I arrived so that we could spend more time focused on the massage and my own stress reduction.
“In addition to stress reduction, massage can also help with increased range of motion, decreased inflammation in the joints, decreased blood pressure, improved posture and better sleep,” says Kerry LaCroix, Massage Envy Regional Trainer, Michigan and Northern Ohio. To further customize the experience aromatherapy can be added for a nominal fee and guests can select the natural blend that’s best for them. “The blend is mixed at the front desk and then the therapist uses the infused lotion throughout the session and you receive the benefit through both inhalation and skin absorption,” says LaCroix. And you get to take the remainder of your blend home with you to extend the experience. For tax season stress, I’d consider the Anxiety Release blend.
In addition to massage therapy at Massage Envy, you can also relax with a facial using Murad skincare products.
So with the tax filing deadline quickly approaching on April 15 and Stress Awareness Day on April 16, perhaps it is the best time to go for a massage and get on the road to reduce stress and enjoy your own feeling of Ahh!
The therapists are standing by!
Photo credit: ©2014 Massage Envy