Most of us have telltale signs that we’re stressed. Some of us binge on every edible item in the room. Others become irritable because of the most minute things. And for the unlucky bunch, stress shows in the form of bad skin!
What causes those periods of stress (and subsequent binging/moodiness/icky skin) could very well be avoided with some minor changes in how you live day-to-day. Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD of Murad skincare line says that “healthy skin is a reflection of overall wellness,” which includes internal, external and emotional elements. With that said, he recommends these 5 ways to get your body de-stressed and back to its healthy self.
Get Connected
Get involved in community events, exercise classes, professional groups or associations, book clubs, potluck dinner nights with your friends, charity events at your children’s schools or volunteer at a nearby nonprofit or take a class at a local community college.
Disconnect
There’s an odd duality to being attached to machines that allow us to connect with others around the world in an instant. In a nutshell, put down your phones! Take time at least twice a week to not check your phone or email. It’s a healthy mental break.
Start Your Day Off Right
Deficiencies in B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium stress out your body and trigger an increase in cortisol levels, not to mention food cravings. Many people skip breakfast and can easily find themselves lacking these critical nutrients and, in turn, rely on caffeine to stay alert and productive throughout the day.
Try eating a handful of berries (vitamin C), six to eight ounces of low-fat yogurt (calcium and magnesium), and a slice of whole grain toast with natural peanut butter. Whole grains are loaded with B vitamins, while peanut butter contains fatty acids that can decrease the production of stress hormones. Peanut butter will also keep you satisfied longer.
Eat “Brain Food”
About two-thirds of our brains are composed of fat, and the protective sheath around communicating neurons is 70 percent fat. In essence, we need fat to think and to maintain healthy brain function, as well as normal growth and development. The omega-3 fats in salmon (often called “brain food”) as well as other cold-water fish, walnuts, flaxseeds and olives have numerous proven health benefits, including those that protect your heart. It is also important to limit your intake of processed foods!
Exercise
Exercising regularly nourishes the skin with oxygen while sweating flushes out toxins. It will also improve digestion and increase one’s metabolism and endocrine function so that the entire body is functioning at an optimal level.
