Beginning a new wellness routine can be daunting.

With hundreds upon thousands of choices to choose from, it’s hard to know what is going to work for your body and lifestyle. As the health and wellness industry booms and new research is released every day, it’s important to do the research before beginning a commitment. We’ve come up with a few helpful questions to consider before getting started:

What am I trying to achieve?

As simple as it may sound, clearly understanding the depth behind your goal will help you determine how much time and energy you need to be pouring into it. This is where you get into your current values and where your goal ties into them.

Are you trying to boost confidence or maintain a healthy lifestyle?

Regardless, understanding the root of your goal will help you shape your next steps and whether or not there is deeper work that needs to be done.

For example, if you’re looking to improve your skincare routine – you may book a professional facial and talk with a licensed esthetician about your skin type. But if you’re hoping to release pent up stressors from the week, you may want to consider talking with a professional counselor.

Think about it. Journal about it. Figure out where your heart lies with your goals and start from there.

Does this make sense right now?

While it may be normal for the algorithm to tell you to ‘ditch whatever you’re doing and start doing this,’ (our latest blog for #NationalRelaxationDay being an exception), taking careful consideration of your current lifestyle is important. Being influenced to make healthy swaps and buy skincare products that promise lasting results isn’t a bad thing, but doing everything at once can be next to impossible for the modern person in society not getting influencer deals and discounts.

Think of what you’re already doing, and how you can slowly start to incorporate that new thing.

For example, if you’re wanting to switch to products without fragrance and artificial ingredients, instead of throwing everything out in your closet—simply replace things as they empty.

Save your wallet and make mindful decisions to how you can apply this change in your current situation.

What are the long-term benefits?

Are you wanting to take part because it’s trendy or because you see long-term benefits?

Either way, starting a routine isn’t something to take lightly so look at what this could look like in 2 weeks, 2 months, and even 2 years before investing your time and energy.

A good way to find out is to talk to someone already doing the routine to see what benefits it’s brought to their life. Ask if they encountered any struggles or discomfort along the way.  Knowing both sides to the story before committing can help you decide whether or not this will be something you want in your life right now or in the future.

What will happen if I have an ‘off’ day or I don’t want to do it anymore?

One of the best things you can be for yourself is realistic. Off seasons are natural in the human lifestyle, so it’s important to allow yourself grace in this new routine for the days when you simply ‘don’t feel like doing it.’ Think about the time and financial commitments you are making, and what it looks like if you don’t show up.

At MassageLuXe, not every member uses their monthly service. We understand life happens and to-do lists can take over. That’s why we simply let unused hours accumulate in our members’ accounts until they are ready to use them.

Remember: You are a human.

Meaning you’re entitled to days where you probably don’t feel your best. Think of what grace looks like as a part of this routine and if it’s something you would be okay with skipping if you need to.

How do I get started?

Ease into the process without startling your current lifestyle. While ‘full sending it’ may be exhilarating, don’t shock your system or your wallet by jumping into something without a plan. Ask questions, write checklists, review your budget, or connect with someone who’s a pro.

Most members at MassageLuXe didn’t get introduced to our brand by purchasing a membership for massage straight-away. They came in for a service and enjoyed their time, connected with service providers they saw results from, and were intentional about making relaxation and self-care a part of their monthly routine.

As you consider starting a new routine, remember to ask yourself these questions to ensure you’re pouring your time and energy into something that’s going to give back as much to you as you are to it.

About MassageLuXe

Founded in 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri, MassageLuXe is a fast-growing franchise-based spa company with a mission to provide an unparalleled experience that supports and encourages health, well-being, and quality of life. MassageLuXe delivers the highest quality massage, facial, and waxing services in a comfortable, relaxing, and luxurious environment.

Massage is a service that improves health, promotes relaxation and overall well-being for the consumer, and has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years. MassageLuXe currently has over 100 locations across 22 states and is planning to double in size in the next three years.