In recent years many studies and statistics have been formed by the NHS, UK Universities and health related association's and the one staggering fact that they have all come back with is that over 44% of cases seen by GPs last year were directly related to stress and over 78% of people in a recent study when asked how they would rate their stress levels gave a number of 5 or higher! What this information does tell us is that we are a 'Stressed' nation!!!
Most people know that stress causes many effects on the body, aching muscles, headaches, heart problems, high blood pressure.... The list goes on. What a lot of people don't know is that stress can have a direct effect on the skin and actually causes a lot of the problems that we try so hard to get rid of. Acne, spot prone skin, hormonal break outs, dark circles, bagged eyes and fine lines and wrinkles are all directly related to Stress, unfortunately for some they may get more than one of these effects.
So here are 3 great ways to reduce stress and combat those skin problems that come hand in hand;
1) Sleep more- the average person gets 5 hours of undisturbed sleep per night, health organisations recommend 7-8hrs per night. A tired mind doesn't always make the best decisions so more sleep allows more rational thinking and in turn reduces stress. The less stressed you are, the more sleep you get and the more sleep you get the less stressed you are!! And bonus dark circles and bags are reduced!
2) Eat a balanced healthy diet- Lets face it most of us live on convenience foods especially those of us who have a particularly stressful/chaotic life. Its so easy to order a takeaway or pick up a 8 minute microwave meal, the problem with that is that convenience foods are filled with additives and lack very much in the Vitamins and Nutrients which our bodies need to function. B Vitamins along with a magnesium and calcium are all very important in the bodies fight against stress along with anxiety and depression. These Vitamins and the reduction in stress in turn help fight against acne and hormonal breakouts.
3) Have a little you time- For most of us (typically women) we tend to think a lot about others and not enough about ourselves. Getting a balanced work and homelife can be a bit of a task especially for those who have children. Most of your waking hours are spent running around doing things for other people. What about time for you? It is proven that taking a little time for you is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Getting a massage or facial or taking a relaxing bubble bath, spending time with friends, watching a funny film and laughing a lot are all proven to release feel good hormones in the body which help to alleviate headaches, aching muscles, high blood pressure..... they also help the body in the fight against anxiety, depression and stress.