Remember to take a moment for yourself

This past weekend was full of events like a typical Cantina Light Pictures weekend. Like the beginning of every reception, I find my table to put my stuff down on and set up shop. Sitting next to me was a lady who was a friend of the chef whose catering company was doing that wedding. We introduced ourselves, chit chatted throughout the night (when I actually found time to sit down for a few seconds!) and she told me about her pre-wedding treat for herself.

She is one of those people who are spa-goers. I myself admit that I'm not a spa-goer simply because I'm a busy person and I'm convinced that every spa & massage place out there charges an arm and a leg. I don't know about you but spending mucho dinero for a massage doesn't help me relax one bit! But then she started to tell me the benefits of a massage and contrary to my belief, how massages aren't as expensive as I perceive them to be.

Aside from the massage being relaxing, getting one has its benefits:

1. Pick Your Spot: No one ever said that only your back has to be massaged. If you're uncomfortable about having someone massage the lower back, for instance, get a massage on your shoulders, or arms, or legs. A massage creates chemical changes that reduces a pain chemical and stress throughout the body

2. De-Stress, Stay Healthy. Massage may boost immunity. Several studies have measured the stress hormone called cortisol--produced when one is stressed--in subjects' saliva before and after massage sessions, and found dramatic decreases. Cortisol kills cells important for immunity, so when massage reduces your stress levels and hence the cortisol in your body, it may help you avoid getting a cold or another illness while under stress.

3. Blood Pressure Benefits: Massage reduces hypertension, suggests a good deal of research. This may be because it stimulates pressure receptors that prompt action from the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve regulates blood pressure, as well as other functions.

4. Technique Tactics: There's little evidence to support one kind of massage over another, sources say, so don't worry about whether your therapist is schooled in Shiatsu, Swedish or some other technique. The key is pressure firm enough to make a temporary indentation in the skin.

5. Self Help. You can massage yourself. Although you don't have to massage the part of the body that hurts to relieve pain, targeting that area does tend to help more. One example is massaging the arms.

Newsweek

Even if you can't find the time to go to a local spa or massage parlor, take 20 minutes out of your day for a bath. That, too, has its benefits.

So during your wedding planning, don't forget to take a moment for yourself. And yes, this applies to the grooms as well! Happy relaxing!