Stress is the second most common cause of workplace compensation in Australia, after manual handling. Work-related stress is a growing problem around the world that affects not only the healthand well-being of employees, but also the productivity of organisations.
Stress has serious impacts on both our physical and mental health. The external signs usually being your skin, your hair and your nails. According to Karen Mallin, PsyD, the mid and the skin are intimately intertwined. Skin disorders such as Acne, eczema, hives, rosacea and psoriasis can, in some cases, be caused by stress.
According to esthetician Jackie Pesce, there are a few simple ways in which you can reduce the impacts of stress on your skin. Firstly, you should try and reduce everyday stress, for example if you are in a high stress job, be sure to take 10 minutes out for a simple meditiation exercise of monitoring your breathing – close your eyes and breathe in slowly through your nose for 7 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, then breathe out slowly for 7 seconds, then repeat. This will help to slow your heart rate and allow your body to relax, even for just a few minutes.
A second step you can follow is by reducing inflammation through your diet. Foods high in refined sugar and bad fat (think junk food, too many carbs, not enough greens) will trigger the a rise in the body’s insulin levels which may trigger your body and immune system to become inflamed. This can cause the outbreak of stress related skin issues such as acne and excema.
Also ensure you are getting enough sleep, hydrating regularly, and getting a good dose of vitamins, minerals and omegas.
If you feel that you are in need of some serious TLC, come and visit Skin Revival and speak to one of our professional clinicians about treatments for your stressed out skin – you never know it might calm your mind as well!
Our daily lives always stress us out, but there is never a need to panic. With a few small changes to your daily lifestyle, you can tackle stress and keep you skin happy, healthy and glowing.