As any massage therapist or massage enthusiast will tell you, massage is a wonderful way to improve your health. It allows you to rest better, feel less pain, perform better, and feel more relaxed. Many health experts agree that massage can and should be a part of a healthy lifestyle. However, massage alone is not going to give you the best life you can have—you need to incorporate health into all elements of your life! Here are five tips for living a holistic, healthy life.

1. Get Enough Sleep.
This is the same advice you’ve heard since you were a child—go to bed! However, getting enough sleep is just as important for adults as it is for children. Sleep allows your brain and body to recover, promoting healing, reducing stress, and even helping you think better. Need to be on your A-game tomorrow? Don’t stay up stressing—get some sleep! If you struggle to fall asleep, consider visiting an expert massage therapist in NJ for a relaxing deep tissue massage.

2. Exercise… Just a Little!
Exercise doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. Consider taking a walk, going for a jog, or engaging in some vigorous cleaning. Anything that gets your heart rate up and keeps it there for 20-30 minutes is enough to start showing real health benefits for your body and mind!

3. Take a Break.
After all that exercise, feel free to take a break! Really, this refers to all sorts of breaks. We live in a society where everyone feels pressured to work, day in and day out, and then handle stress at home as well. Want something different? Take a small break each day to do nothing. No checking emails, no thinking about your ever-growing to-do list… just sit and breathe. Some people like to meditate, but anything that lets you “power down and reset” can be great for your health.

4. Eat Moderately.
No matter how many fad diets come along, the core concept remains: Eat a variety of foods, without overindulging frequently. Don’t be too harsh on yourself—if you limit yourself too much, you’ll be tempted to rebel and sacrifice your goals. Instead, develop a reasonable diet that includes your favorite foods, plus a wide variety of healthy proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In general, the more processed food is, the less healthy, so stick to the outside aisles of the grocery store where you can find food that grows naturally and hasn’t been processed.

5. Make Stress Relief a Routine.
How often have you heard someone make a statement akin to “I am so stressed this week, I’d better…” do something? Instead of waiting until you’re overstressed, manage your stress by incorporating stress reduction into your routine. Whether that routine includes a weekly trip to find the best massage therapy in New Jersey or a night out with your friends, make it a routine and a priority. Your health will thank you!
Does your life include these five things? If so, great! They’ll not only make you feel better, but will enhance the benefits of your massage. Wait, your life doesn’t include these things? Get started today and take control of your health.