Stress is inevitable. We all experience it throughout our lives to one degree or another. It happens to everyone. The secret in dealing with stress is simple. Since we often cannot avoid it, we must then focus on how we react to it. Therein is our power. I know…easier said than done at times. But if you have a job, bills, or even just a life, stress will somehow manage to creep into your days and disrupt your time.
Managing stress involves many approaches: eating healthy foods, exercising, getting enough sleep, and basically taking good care of yourself in general. When you don’t tackle the stress in your life, it can show up in your appearance. In other words, your hair, skin and nails are prime targets.
Here are a few insidious things stress can do to your body:
- Dry, flaky skin. When you are stressed, you are also probably dehydrated. Instead of drinking water, you may be reaching for that extra cup of coffee or another round of soda. These can be dehydrating. If your body does not get the hydration it needs, it can make your skin dry and flaky. To minimize this issue, drink at least eight glass of water each day. Green tea will also give you a dose of healthy antioxidants. Enjoy foods with a high water content, too, such as cucumbers, beets, celery and tomatoes.
- Rashes and hives. Did you know stress can cause an imbalance in your gut resulting in dysbiosis? To combat this issue, engage in some breathing exercises that can not only minimize the potential of getting a rash or hives, but perhaps even keep them at bay. Probiotics can also help rid the gut of the bad bacteria. Talk to your doctor first, however, before beginning any type of protocol in this regard.
- Pesky bags under the eyes. If you continue to think about all you have to do tomorrow while you are in bed tonight, you are setting yourself up for a puffy face in the morning. Lack of sleep can result in the pooling of fluid below your lower eyelid area. And if you sleep on your stomach, gravity will kick in and make those bags even worse. To prevent this issue, try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night. Shut of any electronic devices an hour before you go to bed. Instead, enjoy your downtime with a cup of caffeine-free tea, read a book, or do some meditation.
- Blemishes. Stress causes your skin to flare up and can result in acne, psoriasis or eczema. Stress releases that evil little bugger called cortisol, which disrupts the hormones in your body, causing breakouts from head to toe. To avoid the break outs, do some deep breathing exercises to calm your anxiety. Download a meditation app. Drink sufficient water. Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Graying hair. Oh, no! This can’t be! If you are predisposed to gray hair, stress can cause the melanin in your hair to stop producing. Stress can also cause your hair to become thinner over time. To combat this issue, speak with your doctor about taking biotin or a B vitamin, which can strengthen your hair.
- Grooves in your nails. Have you ever noticed those vertical lines in some people’s nails? Those are usually associated with age. They can also present due certain vitamin deficiencies. They are usually harmless. However, if you notice any horizontal lines, referred to as Beau’s lines, they could be related to excess stress and a compromised immune system. There could be something going on in your body (diabetes, zinc deficiency, vascular disease or syphilis) and you should speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Focus on relaxing your body by taking a yoga class or doing some more meditation exercises. Be sure, however, to make that appointment with your doctor!
- Flushed countenance. You may not even realize it, but when you are stressed, your breathing tends to become shallower and you may even hold your breath for short periods of time without even realizing it. This can result in flushing and redness on your face. This should not last long, but to help ease the process, try breathing in a relaxing beauty elixir, something aromatic that contains chamomile and patchouli. Also, direct your thoughts to happy times in your life to lighten and lift your mood.
Source: Kathleen Kamphausen/cosmopolitan.com
