Yesterday, I treated myself to a massage. An expense that really should be included as a staple in the budget- because you never realize how much you need a massage until you get one. I have to say- if you live in or visit NYC, go to Graceful Services for a no nonsense $63 for 60 minutes Chinese and Swedish combined technique massage- one the of the best I have ever had. ;)

Any way, what I noticed while face down on the table and trying not to squirm when my massage therapist rolled over yet another one of the knots in my back and shoulder, is that their was a distinct difference from the right side to the left. My right was far more sensitive and “injured.”

I got to thinking, and it makes total sense- I carry my (now quite large) handbag on my right shoulder the majority of the time. I know that you are supposed to switch off and carry it on your opposite shoulder, to even things out a bit. If you stand in front of a mirror you can see that one shoulder is lower than the other… you are making your body off balance! In addition to that rule, is the one about weight.

Our day bags have become so over weight! We carry our wallets, phones, ipods, day planners, book to read on the subway, water, make-up, a hairbrush, keys, change of shoes…

We really need to be conscience of all the weight we are carrying around. So, here is what I suggest. ;)

• Make a separate key chain for the keys you don’t use every day and leave them at home.
• Only carry travel size make-up with you- so a sample size mascara, one lipstick (it can double as your blush), and a mineral make-up powder that will help conceal under-eye circles, cover blemishes, take away shine and even out skin tone.
• Carry a lighter weight magazine rather than a book. I love to pack the Economist wherever I go- it is light and chalk full with relevant news for the week. You can also buy those European style small editions of your favorite magazines like Elle, Glamour and Vogue.
• I like to bring a comb with me rather than a brush. It gets the job done and is a lot less of a space hog.
• Have only one smart phone! Today you need only one device to act as your phone, planner, note pad, camera, music player and portable computer (to some extent).
• Keep your “dress” shoes and water bottle at the office. That way when you arrive each day they are there waiting for you and you have avoided the whole manual transport bit.

Make these small adjustments and get a massage every now and again (they do recommend once a month) and your body will thank you. ;)