Body Wisdom Massage School’s Blog

Hey there, massage therapists! Let’s chat about something we all face at some point – that crazy busy schedule that can leave us feeling like a squeezed-out tube of lotion. Who would’ve thought having too many clients could be such a wild ride, right?

Too Much of a Good Thing? The Massage Therapist’s Dilemma So here we are, our hands working magic day in and day out, but sometimes it feels like we’re running on empty. We’re giving so much to our clients that, at the end of the day, we’re left with barely any juice for ourselves or our business growth. Sound familiar?

When Overwhelm Sneaks Up on Us, We’ve all been there. You’re juggling clients, and suddenly, you hit a wall. You know all the things you should be doing for your business, but your energy tank is just blinking ‘E’ for empty. And it’s totally normal to feel a bit guilty for not being able to do it all. But hey, we’re human, and it’s okay to feel this way.

The Triple Threat of Overworking Let’s dive into how being super busy is actually a bit of a sneaky enemy, blocking our path to a thriving massage practice:

1. The Financial Fumble: When you’re too busy, it’s easy to miss the chance to tweak your prices to match your demand. Plus, non-stop work can lead to exhaustion and even injury, meaning unexpected time off and a roller-coaster income. Not fun.
2. Client Experience Downslide: When we’re swamped, our clients can tell. Little things start slipping, and before we know it, our service quality isn’t what it used to be. That’s a surefire way to see clients looking elsewhere for their next massage.
3. Policy Puzzles: Have you ever been so tired that even sticking to your rules feels like climbing a mountain? Or maybe you start creating more policies out of frustration. It’s a tricky cycle that can leave you and your clients feeling frazzled.

Spotting the Warning Signs Here are some red flags that you might be overdoing it:

• If you’ve got a waitlist longer than a grocery line, it’s time to rethink.
• Feeling the need to stretch your working hours? Remember, it’s okay to stick to the hours that work for you.
• When your body’s screaming louder than your clients’ tight muscles, that’s a sign.
• If you’re too wiped out to enjoy your own life, it’s time to hit the pause button.

Five Fab Steps to Ditching Overwork: Ready to get back on track? Here are five steps to keep your practice buzzing without burning out:

1. Set Your Schedule in Stone: Work out the best days and hours for you and stick to them like superglue.
2. Break Time is Sacred: Schedule those breaks and vacations ahead of time, and treat them like appointments you can’t miss.
3. Choose Your Clients Wisely: Not every client is your ideal client. Be picky! It saves you from potential burnout.
4. Policies are Your Friends: Make sure your policies are clear and fair, and help protect the heart of your business – you!
5. Price Check: If your schedule’s overflowing, it might be time for a price hike.

Creating Your Ideal Work-Life Balance We’re in this amazing field to spread relaxation and healing, but let’s not forget to apply some of that TLC to ourselves. By taking these steps, you’re not just safeguarding your business – you’re making sure you have the energy and space to enjoy life and bask in the glow of your successful practice. Here’s to finding that perfect balance and keeping our passion for massage alive!

Rhett Hatfield, Director of Education, Body Wisdom Massage School