Combating Stress During the School Year with Massage Therapy

By: Jennifer Much

As the school year heads off to a running start, chances are stress will soon be knocking at many student's doors, if it hasn't already. Thankfully, massage can help young people negate their stressors, relax, and to recover from vigorous sport participation.

Just as relaxation and rejuvenation work in conjunction with one another, so does the mind and body. Each day our minds and muscles go through an exhaustive process, making it even more imperative to pencil in time for a breather. Self care is especially important for students as they juggle various activities, jobs, an active social life, and are learning.

Massage therapy is an excellent tool to relieve stress for teens and young adults. According to Massage Magazine, the number of young consumers who are scheduling massages is on the rise. In 2021, 36% of consumers between the ages of 16-21 reported getting a massage. It's no surprise that with all the benefits, these numbers are projected to grow.

Exploring 5 Major Benefits of Massage

Sinking into the massage chair is one of the best mood boosters in the world. Feeling the weight of a busy life lift from your shoulders is invigorating and well-deserved. There are also many pros to the practice, and all of which can lead to a happier and healthier you!

1. Improved Mental Health

Massage allows for a receiver to practice mindfulness and to concentrate on their breathing. Much like with yoga, the body produces FNDC5 proteins that are released into the bloodstream. These cells help to promote a healthy brain and the Nervous System is upkept through this process. Of course, massage promotes relaxation, too, and taking time to clear your mind is the key to one's mental health.

2. Better Academic Performance

By reducing stress in the body, individuals are able to shift their focus to their studies. Not only can massage therapy help on a mental level, but physically, it is a miracle worker. Sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day can restrict circulation and even more, consequently, most students may have poor posture. Massage can help combat muscle fatigue and potentially prevent injury. When the body is comfortable, the mind can do wonderful things!

3. Helpful in Sports Recovery

Muscles certainly have memory and need to be taught how to move. Studies have shown that gently manipulating the muscles through massage can improve flexibility and decrease stiffness and soreness. Massage helps muscles to heal as applied pressure facilitates circulation. It also breaks up congested areas and knots in the muscle and promotes movement of adequate blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to muscle tissue. For athletes, constant use of their muscles can increase the chances of injury, however, taking care of the muscles can help reduce that risk.

4. Acts as a Natural Painkiller

When receiving a massage, the body is relaxed and allows the brain to release Endorphins, a chemical that acts as a natural painkiller. This is especially helpful for students suffering from headaches or eye strain brought on by stress, late night study sessions, or frequent screen use. Endorphins also work to calm the mind, slow our heart rate which links to anxiety, and relieve tension.

5. Positive Impact on Sleep Quality

Many factors can impair a student's ability to fall asleep or to sleep well. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that teens should get 8-10 hours of rest in a 24 hour period. Massage therapy can help improve one's sleep quality by reducing anxiety and alleviating physical discomfort. Subsequently, following a massage, Serotonin and Dopamine, neurotransmitters that control a person's sleep, increase.

Book Your Massage!

Here at Roots Yoga and Healing, we offer a generous array of massage services to suit your needs. Chair Massages are quite popular and offer a quick break from the day. They target a client's head, neck, shoulders, back and arms.

Alternatively, Massage Therapy options include a relaxing 30 minute session, an inviting 60 or 90 minute session and a rejuvenating 120 minute session. All treatments are customized and designed to meet your goals and to hone in on specific areas of the body.

To book your session, please contact Jamie or visit www.rootsyogamindbody.com. Who's ready for a calming and stress-eliminating massage?