How to Avoid Physical Exhaustion and Burnout in Massage School

How hard can it be to complete your degree program at a massage school?

After all, all you have to do is attend lectures and get some hands-on training from your instructors.

It shouldn’t be that hard, you might imagine.

However, the reality is quite to the contrary.

There are many students who drop out of massage school simply because they feel too tired after being there for a year or so.

Therefore, it is a must that you find a way to avoid physical exhaustion and burnout while you are in massage school.

This is something easier said than done.

You have to manage the courses you sign up for.

This includes attending lengthy lectures and then studying at home.

Often, you may not be able to get much sleep.

You have to be in class on time and also deliver the assignments you are given.

You also have to write term papers and take exams, which you have to clear you they are to complete your degree at the first attempt.

In addition, you have to attend training sessions where you are taught the basics of different types of massage.

Most classes require you to watch experts give massages but it isn’t long before you have to do the same.

You may have to give massages and that too in front of your whole batch. It can be a daunting task, without a doubt.

This extra pressure could add to the stress you are already facing in massage school.

So, it comes as no surprise that many students feel exhausted and give up on the course.

So, if you want to become a massage therapist, you have to find a way to deal with exhaustion and burnout.

The best way to do this is to avoid exhaustion altogether.

You will find many books on this subject and almost all of them provide several tips with regards to avoiding burnout while working as a massage therapist.

There have been reports of massage therapists getting injured, despite having completed their education successfully.

Even though they know the right techniques to give massages, they still end up making mistakes which results in injury.

As a result, the turnover rate for this industry is increasing and many massage therapists have switched to other fields.

You will find that the massage therapists who have managed to make a successful career in this industry are the ones who look after themselves.

They ensure that they are in optimum shape and their health does not suffer even if they work hard.

This is the reason they are able to satisfy their clients and keep them coming back. And it isn’t as if they started doing this overnight.

A majority of them have been following this lifestyle for the very first time they started working as massage therapists.

Their success is a testament to the importance of looking after yourself when you are in massage school.

If you get into the habit from the very beginning.

It becomes easier for you to keep up with it when you turn professional.

In fact, experts suggest that massage students should learn to avoid exhaustion from the time they enrol in massage school.

As mentioned above, you may have a heavy workload to bear.

In addition, you may have to work to support your education.

As a result, it comes as no surprise that, if you are exhausted.

You might want to give up studying to become a massage therapist and look for a different industry to work in.

Ask any student who has completed massage school and you could learn that the first couple of months are the toughest to get through.

You have to create a new routine based on the schedule of your classes.

It would take some time for your body to adjust to this new routine.

Till then, you may find that you are putting additional strain on your body.

Plus, you have to keep standing up for a long time as well as attend long lectures.

There is no doubt that by the time you get home, you are thinking of nothing but getting some sleep.

Thankfully, your mind and body adjust to this rigorous lifestyle in no time.

Therefore, there does come a time when you don’t feel as tired as you did before.

In fact, your body eventually develops the endurance and strength necessary for you to cope with the rigours of massage school.

It could even be a good idea to let the other students practice their massage techniques on you.

Getting a massage is one of the best ways to release stress and feel relaxed.

In turn, you can practice on them.

It is a classic case of ‘you massage my back, I’ll massage yours’!

Tips for Avoiding Burnout While in Massage School

Let’s look at a few other ways you can avoid burnout while in massage school:

Look After Yourself

The first thing you need to do is look after yourself.

Make sure that you are healthy and follow a lifestyle that ensures you stay healthy.

This requires you to get adequate sleep, drink plenty of water and if possible, take some vitamin supplements.

Some students take their health for granted and end up suffering.

You need to ensure that you don’t fall sick.

Work Out Regularly

Another great way to avoid burnout is to work out regularly.

While you may not have the time to hit the gym every day, you can walk or jog from your massage school to your home if the distance is manageable.

If not, take time out to work out anyway when convenient.

You can also go for a swim a couple of times a week or try your hand at yoga.

The point is that physical activity needs to be incorporated into your daily routine in some shape or form.

Eat Healthily

You are what you eat.

Therefore, if you want to be healthy you have to eat healthy food.

Ditch the junk food and fast food.

Only eat them once a while.

Eat fruits and vegetables instead and other food items that are rich in terms of nutrition.

You should start following these tips from the time you enrol in massage school.

It is best to go in prepared than to consider giving up somewhere in the middle once you get started.

Neal Lyons is a founding member and volunteer contributor at the MTSI Institute, an information based portal dedicated to guiding and assisting aspiring massage therapists establish a successful career in massage. Neal is a published author and has collaborated on several mobile applications that serve the massage profession. You can view his published work on Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Sony and Kobo. You can connect with him on Facebook, Twitter and on Google+

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