Stress can cause problems for anyone, but it can be especially destructive for students. It can get in the way of school responsibilities if it is not treated with appropriate stress management techniques. Massage has been proven by research studies to quell anxiety. It can be an effective weapon in a student's anti-stress arsenal.
Causes
Students have stress from a variety of school-related sources, especially when they are in high school or college. There is pressure to make high grades and to take difficult classes if they are required for a certain career path or degree. High schoolers may be worried about getting into the college of their choice, and many college students are away from home for the first time. It is also stressful to juggle classroom requirements with other responsibilities and social activities.
Effects
Stress has effects that can directly impact school performance. It can impede concentration, according to the Help Guide mental health site, making it hard to study or do classroom work. It can interfere with sleep, leading to fatigue, and cause muscle tension and pain. It can interfere with immune system functions, making students more prone to illness. It often triggers irritability, which can interfere with socialization and relationships with classmates and instructors. Stress can eventually cause depression if it is not treated.
Solution
Help Guide recommends massage therapy as part of an overall stress management plan. Massage is typically offered at health clubs, spas and freestanding clinics, so most students have easy access to this treatment. It can be expensive, running $60 to $100 per hour or more, but many therapists offer more affordable half-hour treatments or 15-minute chair massages. Students can plan their treatments around the most stressful times at school. For example, massage therapy can be very helpful before final exam time or while working on a major project.
Benefits
Massage therapy is beneficial for stressed-out students in several ways that directly offset the effects of anxiety. It is soothing and relaxing and forces busy students to take some quiet time for themselves. Massage eases tense muscles and gets rid of any pain they are causing. The Mayo Clinic explains that massage can ward off depression and helps boost the immune system.
Expert Insight
Researchers have proven the benefits of massage therapy for students under stress. Many studies have shown general benefits for everyone such as relaxation, muscle tension release and improved blood circulation. A New Jersey study focusing specifically on students showed that massage supported their immune systems when they were under pressure because of an upcoming test. The students also felt more relaxed after the massage therapy.
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