This month’s Guest Glimmer blog post was written by and in partnership with Alyssa of Be Here Now Massage, a massage therapist in Traverse City, Michigan.

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As a licensed massage therapist and fellow small business owner, I often see other business owners step into my office with the face of defeat. Massage is either their first step to conquer, or their last, as their body is aching, their low back is worn down from hours at a desk, and their shoulders are quite literally inside of their ears.

So why is getting a massage often a last resort?

Because it’s often ingrained in us that working hard is what matters. It’s important to build something, to make a name for yourself, but when do you take a step back and realize you’ve made it?

You’ve been doing the work. Now it’s time to take care of yourself so you can continue your career.

On my website, I say, “Our bodies work tirelessly for us, let’s show them some love,” and I believe that wholeheartedly.

You pour into your business or career 24/7… You spend your days checking emails, responding to potential clients or customers, managing other people, and that alone can spike your cortisol. Your stress can create tight muscles and trigger points in your neck, shoulders, and hips without you even realizing it. Maybe you’re clenching your jaw, waiting to hear back from someone, or forgetting to stand up and stretch your legs.

So How Do You Begin to Prioritize Investing in Yourself?

1. Stop waiting until you’re in pain

If you’re only booking a massage when something hurts, you’re already behind. Maintenance is what keeps your body feeling good long-term. Emergency fixes are a temporary bandaid. 

Ask yourself: When was the last time I took care of my body before it started hurting?

If your answer is months ago, or worse – never, now is the time to schedule a massage. If you feel like your not able to fit in your schedule (I promise you can), even taking 30 minutes for at-home self-care this evening can make a difference in your productivity tomorrow.

2. Schedule Your Self-Care Like a Business Expense

You wouldn’t skip paying your rent, your employees, or for your monthly software, so why is your body optional? Put it on your calendar. Make it non-negotiable.

3. Pay attention to the small signals

Tight shoulders, low back aches, headaches, jaw clenching, waking up feeling stiff, these are all early signs your body is under stress. Be more aware of your body.

What has your body been trying to tell you lately that you’ve been ignoring?

4. Understand that your body is part of your business

Showing up tired, tense, and in pain affects your energy, your focus, and the experience you give to the people within your business circle.

I, myself, can unfortunately speak from experience here. I’ve gone several months without a massage before, and it was the worst mistake of my life. I wasn’t showing up for my clients the same way. I wasn’t giving as good of service because my body was fatigued, and my overall quality of life suffered. It also took me months to get my body back to feeling good again. For me, that looked like committing to a slow, deep tissue massage every two weeks and adding in consistent self-care practices like hot yoga, or nightly stretching at home.

Ask yourself: Am I showing up as my best self for my clients and employees right now?

If you’re not, it’s time to prioritize you.

Investing in Your Wellness as a Business Owner is Essential

At the end of the day, you are your business. Your energy, your presence, and your clarity all come from the state of your body.

Investing in your wellness as a business owner is a non-negotiable because when you feel better, you show up better. And when you show up better, everything you’re building benefits from it.

This is what Alyssa’s business, Be Here Now Massage, is rooted in. She helps people come back into their bodies so they can continue building the life they’re working so hard for, without burning themselves out in the process.

Remember This:

Take care of yourself just as much as you take care of everything else.