The lifestyle I once had, allowed absolutely no time for me, or me time to be specific. Sure, my better half chipped in, but if I entertained any notion of putting myself first, it was very quickly replaced by the next immediate task in a very full and hectic schedule that revolved around everyone but me. I just couldn't contemplate anything different.

What set me straight was a gift from a friend. The gift was a facial massage and a manicure. My friend knew perfectly well that there was no way I would organise this for myself, it was just too much of an indulgence as I understood it then. And besides, even if the notion ever entered my head, when was I going to find the opportunity to step out of my routine and do something purely for me?

Well thankfully my friend made my gift specific to me and made sure that it could only be enjoyed by me, and I've never been so grateful. In accepting that gift, I had no idea of the lasting effects it would have. If nobody had made me aware, I would never have been exposed to the benefits that massage and massage therapy can and do bring.

In terms of the range of benefits that massage therapy brings, they can be as basic as feeling a whole lot better (special) for a short period of time to transforming your life for the better, for as long as you want. Without sounding too dramatic, massage therapy can be life changing. Just because massage and massage therapy sounds like a luxury and an indulgence, doesn't mean it is, in fact the opposite is true.

Massage and massage therapy is an essential element in your health and wellness plan. It can have a fundamental impact on the quality of your life, and in no way should it be considered a luxury, and it is certainly not the preserve of the wealthy.

Having the awareness that you need to regularly schedule time for your health and wellness alongside your everyday routines may be an awkward concept, but please consider this as a proposal that you must develop. There is no maybe here, it is a must.