Why Slowing Down And Taking Care Of Yourself Can Help You Enjoy Life

Summary

The author discovers the benefits of self-care and relaxation through a transformative face massage experience, leading to a realization that personal investment can significantly improve mental well-being and resilience.

Abstract

After being advised by friends to focus on self-care following a challenging period, the author reluctantly decides to spend money on a face massage, an indulgence she had never previously considered. Initially feeling out of place at the beauty center, she eventually succumbs to the calming environment, soft music, and gentle touch of the masseuse, which allows her to disconnect from her worries and rejuvenate emotionally. Despite no physical change in her appearance, the experience leaves her feeling refreshed and provides a new perspective on managing stress and fear through self-indulgence. The author concludes that spending on personal well-being is a valuable investment.

Opinions

The author initially doubted the value of spending money on personal indulgences, viewing it as unnecessary.
After the massage, the author felt a significant emotional shift, emphasizing the importance of self-care for mental health.
The author admits to neglecting personal happiness for the sake of family, recognizing this as a mistake.
The experience of the face massage was transformative, offering a new method to cope with stress and improve mood.
The author now believes that money spent on self-care is not only justified but also a wise investment in personal well-being.

A Relaxing Experience

Last week my girlfriends told me that if I wanted to feel better and stronger after the difficult moments I went through, I had to spend money on myself.

I never thought about it. I considered taking some free time, or reading a book, but not spending money just for myself.

Actually, that’s something I never do, because I tend to spend it for my family, and I never afford anything special just to make me happy. What a mistake!

Yet this was an emergency, so I paid for a face massage, the first one in my life.

The reception of the beauty center was full of people, and the woman behind the desk asked me in a loud voice: “What appointment do you have?” When I replied, the other persons looked at me, and I’m afraid they thought I really needed a full face massage. That was my mood when I entered the room. I felt embarrassed and uncomfortable.

The girl who gave me the massage asked me to lay down on a comfortable couch, then she put on some soft music and turned down the lights. It was very relaxing, I slowly entered another atmosphere and forgot about the world outside.

Every touch on my face was like a touch on my heart, it was a way to discover new feelings on my skin, breathe, and nurture positive emotions about life.

When the massage ended, she went out and left me alone for a few more minutes. I gradually returned to real life and I felt so good and relaxed.

Actually, my face hasn’t changed, I have all my wrinkles and I still look tired, but even thinking about that massage makes me live that moment again, and it makes me slow down a little more. Slowing down was a way to spoil me, and I enjoyed it a lot.

I know I have a new way to feel better when things are getting too stressful, and I know I can change my mood. It gives me more energy and it helps me control my fears.

I also found out that money spent on myself is a great investment!