You may not be ready to admit it just yet, but October has come to a close and that can mean only one thing: the holidays will be here before you know it.

Whether you are involved in all the hustle and bustle of holiday party planning, or just planning a quiet time with your closest loved ones-the holidays are a time focused on selflessness and giving to others. Because of this, paired with the impending chilly temperatures that come with the winter months not to mention the overall gloomy days, it can be easy to lose yourself. 

Take this quiet time before the hectic season to treat yourself and take care of your needs! The beginning of November is an ideal time to focus on yourself, and what better way to do so than with a massage?

Below are the top three reasons you should consider having a massage during the month of November:

The first few flakes of snow leading into the holiday season can be one of the most stressful times of year. Ridiculously long shopping lists or days, party planning, family visitors coming into town, and no time to manage getting it all done; any of it will all take a toll on your body and mind. Even just one 60-minute massage can help ease the tension in your body and help to clear your mind. There will be plenty of time to stress later, now is the time to unwind and relax!

The warmth of summer has past, and with it went your loose muscles. Colder temperatures mean tight muscles and achy joints. Shivering and chattering teeth are just the start of your body fighting to protect you from those frigid days. Massage therapy will help warm your body and relieve any weather-related aches, pains, or stiffness.

Even if it hasn’t hit yet, the first snow storm is coming and probably just around the corner. No matter who you are, shoveling isn’t the ideal movement for a pain-free body!  Get ahead of the storm by loosening up your muscles beforehand, and continue with regular massage therapy throughout the winter (because we all know that we will be shoveling for months we are Canadians after all). Massage can help prevent injuries and keep you as ready as you can be for the rest of our winter season.

Here’s to a happy healthy mind and body leading into a successful and happy holiday season! 

-Shannon Lapointe, RMT