Even those who have found a career path that’s a perfect fit for them may, at times, need to be refreshed and rejuvenated in order to maintain the same levels of enthusiasm that motivated them to pursue this passion in the first place. This is often the case among massage therapists and bodyworkers, who run the risk of getting burned out by the daily, physical, focused task of providing healing touch.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get back one’s passion for massage therapy and bodywork, and one of the best routes toward rejuvenation is a quality experience with continuing education. By taking a class that catches your interest, you may find renewed enthusiasm for the field of touch therapy.
Simply taking a continuing education class, however, may not be quite enough to reverse a person’s energy and move him or her in the opposite direction of burnout. If you happen to be searching for that big boost back into passion and drive for your daily practice, then take steps to make the most of the continuing education experience.
One great option, if you have the money and time, is to sign up for a continuing education seminar that takes place in a resort destination, such as a tropical island, a peaceful countryside, a snowy winter lodge or even a grand cruise ship. By combining continuing education with a vacation, it is possible to get refreshed, rejuvenated and better educated all in one.
If you are unable to attend a continuing education seminar at one of these vacation destinations, it is still possible to glean many of the benefits of such a getaway while staying closer to home. First of all, see if you can clear your schedule, or at least lighten it up for one or more weeks when the class is taking place. This way, your body will get a slight break, and you will be able to concentrate on the class at hand.
Another tip for making the most of your continuing education is to recruit friends and colleagues to take the course with you. Networking, exchanging ideas and listening to others in the field of touch therapy talk about challenges and rewards can be one of the best parts about attending a continuing education seminar at a resort destination. By taking a course at home, and doing so with friends or colleagues, you can gain this same supportive element.
Even if you do not know anyone else when you first start the class, make it a point to strike up conversations with your peers. Setting up a study group is a wonderful way to get to know your colleagues. Depending on the class, you may also want to practice new hands-on techniques on one another—an added bonus for any massage therapist or bodyworker who may be creeping toward burnout.
Use your continuing education opportunities to refresh and rejuvenate your attitude toward massage therapy and bodywork, which can then result in a boost for your business and your bottom line.
–Brandi Schlossberg