The first week I worked at Beach Balance, something happened that I still think about today. I was walking past one of our wellness rooms when I noticed a student curled up on the couch, fast asleep, backpack on the floor, headphones still in. At first, I worried something was wrong, but then I saw the slow, deep breathing and the relaxed face. They were just tired. Really tired.

A few minutes later, the student woke up and stepped out, half-smiling, half-embarrassed. They told me, “I didn’t even know I needed that nap until I took it”. That moment stuck with me because I realized how many of us are pushing through stress without stopping to check how we feel.

That’s why I’ve grown to love working at Beach Balance. We offer things that sound small – quiet wellness rooms where you can study, meditate or take a nap, grounding activities, aromatherapy and workshops, but these small things end up making a big difference. I’ve watched students come in with heavy energy and leave lighter, calmer and more themselves.

And then there are the massage therapy sessions. A lot of people don’t expect us to have professional massage therapists, and when they hear it’s offered at an affordable student price, their entire face changes. I’ve seen students walk out of those sessions saying it’s the first time in months they’ve felt their shoulders relaxed.

Working here has taught me that wellness isn’t a huge lifestyle change. It’s the moment you choose to pause. The moment you step inside a quiet room, everything makes sense. The moment you breathe, you breathe.

At Beach Balance, we’re here to remind you that those moments matter – and you deserve them!