Exams at the best of times can bring on stress. But HSC exams in the middle of months of on-and-off lockdowns has the potential to bring on thick layers of muscle-burning head-spinning stress. Unfortunately while we can’t simply wish stress away, there are ways to manage and release stress. Remedial massage is a known and trusted stress-reliever, with many other known benefits. Read on to learn how massage can help reduce HSC stress and lighten the exam load.
Professional massage works in various ways to achieve many body benefits. Massage lowers cortisol, a hormone produced in response to stress. And when cortisol decreases, serotonin increases -- serotonin is one of the body’s anti-pain mechanisms. So massage has a double benefit in this way by decreasing cortisol and increasing serotonin. This result boosts your body’s ability to manage pain and reduce anxiety.
Besides massage being mood-enhancing, known to help a person relax and reduce stress, regular massage therapy can also help to specifically lower anxiety related to test-taking or problem-solving, and thought to even help improve test scores.
Because exam stress is both emotional, physical and ongoing, this continued stress takes its toll on our bodies and minds, and puts our bodies out of balance. Stress also has a snowball effect. The more we stress, the less chance we have of performing at our peak, and the more stressed we feel. There are many ways of releasing stress, which depend on a person’s unique make-up and preference. For many students, massage is one way that can reduce stress, improve sleep and clear the mind to help enhance exam performance.A skilled massage therapist can help you relax and rebalance your body and mind by using a variety of techniques. Massage can reduce stress by working on the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), which controls your body’s relaxation response. Massage also works on the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the fight or flight response, usually when faced with a stressful situation.
Massage helps to reduce stress by turning off the sympathetic nervous system and turning on the parasympathetic nervous system, restoring a calm and composed state. Because massage increases blood and lymph circulation, vital nutrients are carried more efficiently through the body, which promotes the release of serotonin and endorphins, increasing mental functioning and decreasing anxiety.Besides the mental stress that exams bring, hours of studying and being hunched over a desk can also bring physical pain, often persistent over extended weeks of studying and exams. Regular massage sessions by an experienced massage therapist, ideally an hour session three times a week, has shown to work to significantly reduce neck pain. But even if you can’t manage regular massage weekly, try for a professional session as often as you can to feel the benefits.
Remedial massage can also help treat a number of other health issues linked to exam time and studying. These include: chronic back and neck tension, frozen shoulder, sciatica, and muscle cramps. Massage also helps to stimulate the blood supply, improve overall circulation, and relax muscles and connective tissue.
With so many known benefits, remedial massage can help to reduce exam stress and increase exam success. Wishing you lots of luck, a clear mind and great success!
Bondi Junction Massage & Float Centre is a restorative and remedial oasis of calm and wellbeing in the heart of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, treating thousands of clients since 1985. Our centre is currently OPEN, offering restricted services and adhering to a COVID Safety Plan. To find out more about remedial massage and our other treatments, please make contact or book now.
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