We did not come with a maintenance manual. But you must admit that it would be handy. As we age we loose flexibility, stamina, and the resiliency of our youth. Responsibilities for our family’s, our jobs or business, greatly increases our stress. It becomes more difficult to balance work, exercise; family, and time for ourselves, It is easy to find ourselves lost in our daily tasks of survival without a plan. A body maintenance program is important if we want to age gracefully and maintain our sanity and vitality.

To really work, your maintenance manual must be designed by you. You know if you are overeating, under exercising, stressed out and out of balance. So start with sensible changes. Write down how you are feeling. What you what to change and your reason to change. That is how you begin your manual. Then note what works and what does not work.

Ok, I can give you the summery of what I have developed. I eat healthy food. I take supplements that enhance my immune system and protect my heart and bones. I stretch and exercise 30 minutes a day and I get a chiropractic adjustment once a month. I get a massage every two weeks. I have maintained my balance and energy through the crisis and my program is the key to my health.

According to the Mayo Clinic studies have found massage helpful for: stress relief, managing anxiety and depression, pain, stiffness, blood pressure control, soft tissue injuries, and boosting immunity. Beyond these benefits massage can provide comfort and a sense of empowerment. I hope you will consider adding massage to you maintenance manual.