3 Benefits Of Massages For Writers

Self-care is important for writers. It's also something we tend to overlook. Many of us are already squeezing our writing into the limited nooks and crannies of our day, so self-care can easily get lost in that hustle and bustle.

I've made it a point to be consistent with self-care this year, and one new addition to my routine is going for massages.

I've been getting massages regularly for a few months now, and I didn't expect them to become integral to my self-care regimen but the difference is noticeable not just in the day-to-day but in my writing.

Massages are often seen as a luxury available only to the well-off at massage parlors or spas or health clubs and the like, but they may actually be more accessible than you'd think. I get mine done at a chiropractor's office at $35 for a half-hour session. You may be able to find deals either from the business itself or via platforms like Groupon.

Massages are about more than relaxation or working out a knot in your muscles. They can also help with nerve pain, circulation, headaches, insomnia, digestion, and some conditions like POTS.

And as I've learned, they can also be beneficial for writers.

A quick disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I'll link any relevant sources throughout the post and encourage you to do your own research. I'll also be speaking from personal experience, so, since I'm just one person, you may find it helpful to seek out additional takes if massages are something you're interested in.

Back Pain And Posture

Let's face it: writers do a lot of sitting. There's a reason so many desk chairs boast about having good lumbar support. I'd wager I'm not the only one slouchin' like a shrimp when I'm writing—especially when working on a handwritten draft—and I know it isn't doing my already-wonky-thanks-to-genetics-back any favors.

Sitting for long periods of time has its known concerns. According to Yale Medicine, it can cause vascular issues, lower back pain, stress on your spine, and heart problems.

Back pain can impact any area of your life, including your writing. It's hard to get into the zone when you're physically uncomfortable.

Massages can help alleviate this tension and soreness in your muscles, allowing you to sit more comfortably as you write.

Energy Boost

Massages are known to be relaxing treatments, but they're also energizing.

Since massages can improve circulation, more oxygen travels to the brain. That not only boosts your energy but also your ability to focus.

That's one of the reasons I prefer to schedule my massage appointments in the morning. I feel more ready to take on the day after a massage, and that includes writing. My writing sessions tend to feel smoother and more productive after a massage.

A Mental Break

The benefits of massages for writers aren't limited to physical ones. They also provide a mental break.

We writers spend a lot of time immersed in our stories, from actively working on them to daydreaming about them when we're away from our desks. Taking mental notes about people we pass on the street or fragments of conversations we've overheard that could be expanded into full-blown narratives. Envisioning the details of your next scene while you're still on the clock at your day job, impatiently waiting to get back to your home writing base.

Our stories are our escape. Often, they're our safe space in a chaotic and at times unkind world. But it's important to take a mental break and turn that part of your brain off for a short while.

Massages have become that mental pause for me. For those thirty minutes, I challenge myself to think about nothing. To just be. Taking in the nothingness that's so hard to come by.

That mental refresh is crucial for preventing burnout. Writing is harder when your brain is worn out. And when you've been so close to your WIP for so long, you may find yourself feeling stuck. Taking that break allows you to see things from a new perspective when you come back.

Even though massages are still fairly new to my writing habits, they're already a staple. It's not just about relaxing and undoing knots. There's a mental component in play, as well.

Massages are restorative and offer a vital recharge to my writer brain that makes my writing sessions feel smoother and more productive. What was once considered to be a luxury is more accessible than ever—and I cannot recommend them enough.