By: Marie Martin, Delta College Student Submission
Midterms, finals, or maybe a business meeting—oh my!
Have you ever had that dazed feeling right before an important moment, like a midterm? I, for one, can’t stand that feeling. I used to try and push through the fog and fatigue, thinking, working hard is how you get ahead, right? Wrong—study smart, not hard!
I mean, working hard is all well and good. But—eureka moment!—I learned that when you’re fatigued, you retain less information. It felt like someone gave me permission to take a nap when I was tired. Dream come true, right?
I learned something else from a friend of mine who went through massage therapy school: massages improve your body’s circulation. It boosts oxygen and nutrients to the brain while helping your body remove waste and toxins. Crazy, right? Who would have guessed that rubbing someone could have so many benefits?
Why am I so excited about this idea? Because now that I’m back in school, I feel like I’ve discovered a secret weapon for tests, final projects, or any big undertaking. If a massage helps me relax and do better in school, it’s a no-brainer—I’m booking some “rub time” today.
Okay, let me pull out my big-girl glasses for a moment. According to the National Library of Medicine (NIH), “A significant difference was observed between massage and rest conditions on VAS for muscle fatigue.”
What I understand from this is that massage may, in some cases, have a bigger effect than just resting. So, just imagine the benefits you could get by adding massage to your routine: lower stress, boost your grades—yes, please!
Massage is not just going to help you boost your grades; it’s going to help you get glowing skin. Increased circulation delivers the good stuff all over the body, helping your skin keep that radiant glow and holding dullness at bay. This really is a win-win. Your skin is going to stay clearer, helping with breakouts, and just overall leaving your skin looking healthier.
Something you could try at home to reduce puffiness is a face massage. There are a lot of resources out there that will show you how to do this (or you could keep your eye out for a little demonstration from yours truly) because the idea of reducing puffiness in the face is always in.
In short, massage enhances cognitive function, memory, and keeps your skin glowing, all while reducing stress in the body. The best part? It doesn’t have to break the bank. Grab your quarters and hit up the massage chairs at the mall, or splurge on a professional massage if you want. That’s the beauty of this secret—you can spend as little or as much as you choose.
Either way, investing in your body and mental well-being is playing the long game. A little TLC isn’t just part of a beauty routine; it’s so much more. So here’s my challenge to you: give this a try and see if it helps with your grades and retention. Worst case? You bring a little relaxation and stress relief into your life—and that’s a win!
