Stress is a part of everyday life that we cannot avoid. Stress can come from work, family problems, finances, or even the little things in our lives. However, Sereni-Trees knows that stress doesn’t only affect our thoughts and feelings! Other aspects such as skin health can also be affected. Our skin is a reflection of our body’s internal condition, and chronic stress can cause various skin problems such as acne, dry skin, and even premature aging. So, what’s the right way for us to deal with it?
Correlation between Stress and Skin Health
Stress triggers the release of the hormone cortisol in the body, which in turn can increase oil production on the skin. This excess oil (sebum) production can clog pores and cause acne. In addition, stress can also slow down the skin’s healing process, making the skin more prone to inflammation, irritation and other skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.
When we are stressed, the skin also tends to lose its natural moisture, leading to dry and dull skin. Not only that, stress can also trigger an inflammatory response in the body, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. Wow, what a complex relationship between the two!
Follow these ways to overcome it…
Stress is not a mental illness like depression or anxiety, so there are steps we can take to reduce it. For example:
Increase Exercise and Physical Activity
If you’re tired and in a bad mood, try to move regularly! Regular exercise has been shown to improve symptoms of even common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Sereni-Trees does not need to force itself to be an active individual. Simply start with light activities such as walking or cycling. Choose an activity that you enjoy so that you can increase the chances of sticking to it in the long term.
Avoid Too Much Smartphone Screen Time (Screentime)
We can’t deny that cellphones, laptops, or computers have become commonplace in this era. In fact, they are needed every day either for study or work. However, excessive use can increase stress levels!
Too much screen time is also linked to lower psychological well-being and increased stress levels in both adults and children.
In addition, excessive screen time can affect sleep, which in turn can increase stress levels.
Implementing Self Care
Taking time for self-care can help reduce stress levels. Some examples of practical self-care include: taking a bath, lighting candles, using a diffuser with a calming scent, or yoga.
People who regularly engage in self-care tend to have lower stress levels and a better quality of life, while a lack of self-care is often associated with a higher risk of stress and burnout.
It doesn’t have to be complicated! An easy example can start from using Serenitree’s calming body wash. Combined with the calming lotion, the ritual and aroma of lavender essential oil can definitely have a calming effect. In addition, your skin will stay clean and healthy! Win win solution!
Daily Journal Writing
Believe it or not, regular journal writing can help reduce stress and anxiety! It can provide a positive “outlet” to pour out all our thoughts and emotions, bad or good.
Regular journal writing has been linked to better quality of life and more proactive self-care behaviors. Are you interested in giving it a try?
Avoid Too Much Sugar and Caffeine
You are what you eat. What we consume certainly determines our physical and mental health. Consuming too much caffeine can worsen anxiety and also disrupt sleep. As a result, it can increase symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Tolerance to caffeine is different for everyone. If caffeine makes you nervous or anxious, consider cutting back by replacing coffee or energy drinks with decaffeinated coffee, herbal tea, or water.
When it comes to sugar, when we consume too much of it, the body produces insulin to lower blood sugar levels. After the blood sugar drops rapidly, the body responds by producing stress hormones, such as cortisol, to help stabilize the blood sugar. These fluctuations can trigger anxiety and stress.
Practicing Deep Breathing
Deep breathing exercises not only slow down the breath, but also lower the heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and calm the mind. When we breathe deeply, oxygen flow to the brain increases. This can improve focus and mental clarity. In addition, deep breathing can distract from stress-inducing thoughts, thus helping to create a sense of calm and peace.
For deep breathing exercises, we can do it regularly 1-3 times a day. Each session can last for 5-10 minutes. However, it all depends on your needs! As long as we maintain our routine, we will definitely feel the positive effects!
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a mindfulness practice where we focus on the present moment without judgment. This practice will increase self-awareness, reduce protracted thoughts, and help accept experiences as they are.
It also trains the brain to be more perceptive and calmer in the face of stressful situations, thus allowing us to respond more thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Examples of activities include yoga, meditation, or taichi. There are many more activities that can support us to practice mindfulness!
Supplement Support (Optional)
It is also possible that the stress we are suffering from is due to a lack of nutritional intake! Therefore, another option could be to take supplements (in consultation with your doctor and body condition).
For example: B vitamins, such as B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12, play a role in brain function and the production of neurotransmitters that affect mood. Vitamin B deficiency can lead to fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Zinc plays a role in mood regulation and brain function. Zinc deficiency can be associated with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. For more information, consult a professional directly, Sereni-Trees!
So, those are 8 ways we can control our stress levels. Remember, stress not only affects your mental health, but your physical health too. It is the source of all diseases! Therefore, let’s handle it well!