Stuck in a Rut?

I recently added an electric fireplace to my massage studio (it's cozy!) and to make space for it I moved my table and rearranged a few other key pieces in my space. I've been at this current studio for a little over a year and this was the first time I moved my table and furniture. It got me thinking that it's a great thing to do whenever we start to feel stuck in a rut with our work.

I found myself a bit out of my element that first week massaging with the new setup. (In a good way!)

Here's some other small changes that I think can help shake things up when we find ourselves getting bored:

• Add products to your sessions.
  Essential oils, foot creams, heated Mother Earth Pillows for just a few ideas.
  
• Learn a new modality.
  Ok, so I'm totally biased when it comes to Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy, but it's only because it made me fall in love with massage again at a time when I was feeling really burned out in this field. Learning a new way to work can get you out of a rut and also keep your clients amazed that you're always adding new techniques to your practice.
  
• Change your music!
  Man this one is huge for me. I get bored with my music quickly, so it's really important for me to keep it fresh and try new things. It can be like an instant pick-me-up to have some new music playing where I don't know what is coming next.
  
• Change your routine.
  Even if you don't learn a new modality or add in new products, you can easily shake things up by making changes to your routine. Usually start with the client supine? Try starting prone. Always end with the face? Try ending with the feet. It's simple but gets you out of your comfort zone just enough to make it interesting.

What ways do you find helpful to re-inspire your work when you've gotten bored?

Cindy Iwlew is co-founder of Bodywork Buddy Massage Software, a complete online management solution for independent massage therapists that includes online scheduling. 

She continues to operate her own private massage practice since 1999.  www.BodyworkBuddy.com