Breaking the Grind: Embracing Relaxation as a Priority with Cal Cates

We all experience the idea that relaxation must be earned. But what if we didn’t need to have a reason to relax or be kind to ourselves? In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Cal Cates about how rest and relaxation are necessities, not luxuries, and how forgoing rest to keep the “grind culture” train moving creates a disservice to our clients, ourselves, and the profession as a whole. Cal is an educator, writer, and speaker on topics ranging from massage therapy in a hospital setting to end-of-life care and massage therapy policy and regulation. Cal is the executive director and founder of Healwell, a nonprofit organization that works with children in hospitals and clinical facilities. Cal also trains massage therapists about sustainable caregiving and partners with hospitals to conduct research about the effects of massage on people living with illness. For more information, visit healwell.org. Cal is the host of the podcast Interdisciplinary, found everywhere podcasts are available, and a columnist for Massage & Bodywork magazine.   Resources:   “Rest and Relaxation are Necessities, Not Luxuries,” Massage and Bodywork magazine, September/October 2023, page 79, https://www.massageandbodywork....digital.com/i/150545       Hosts:   Darren Buford is senior director of communications and editor-in-chief for ABMP. He is editor of Massage & Bodywork magazine and has worked for ABMP for 22 years, and been involved in journalism at the association, trade, and consumer levels for 24 years. He has served as board member and president of the Western Publishing Association, as well as board member for Association Media & Publishing. Contact him at editor@abmp.com. Kristin Coverly, LMT is a massage therapist, educator, and the director of professional education at ABMP. She loves creating continuing education courses, events, and resources to support massage therapists and bodyworkers as they enhance their lives and practices. Contact her at ce@abmp.com.     Sponsors:     Anatomy Trains: www.anatomytrains.com      Touch America: www.touchamerica.com