Stress and Beauty

We all know stress can take its toll on our health; chronic stress can contribute to heart disease, high blood pressure, hives, headaches, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety disorders and depression, among other health problems. But what about your appearance? Did you know that stress can also take its toll on how you look?

It’s true. A stressful lifestyle can magnify fine lines and wrinkles – “worry lines” – and trigger skin rashes and breakouts. In some cases, stress can even lead to hair loss. Stress can cause insomnia, making you look tired and generally worn out. And many of us become susceptible to catching colds and flus when we’re under stress, which gives us an overall unwell appearance. Then there’s the fact that stress often sends people to their favorite (unhealthy) coping mechanisms, such as overeating (or undereating), smoking, and drinking – all of which can affect your appearance for the worse.

So what’s a busy, stressed-out girl to do? I mean, whatever is causing your stress probably isn’t going anywhere soon. So the key is to learn how to manage it better, so your natural beauty doesn’t end up suffering.

When stress is getting the better of you, try physical activity like your favorite workout, a scenic bicycle ride, a stroll in the park, or a yoga class. While working up a sweat is great, it’s not required; sometimes just being out in nature or with other people, moving your body, is enough to calm stress.

Another good strategy is to engage in a specific relaxation-focused activity. Yoga, again, is great for this. But so are tai chi, meditation, deep breathing, visualization, even prayer or visiting a church or temple if you’re religious. Anything that quiets your thoughts and soothes your soul will lower your stress level.

Eat well, take your vitamins, and get enough sleep. A strong immune system is better able to handle stress, and these things are all integral to good immunity. If you have serious sleep problems and just can’t conk out at night, see your doctor for help.

Identify your support system – and use them. Connection with others may be the most powerful stress reliever there is. No one likes to feel alone, and there’s something about talking through your problems with an empathic friend, family member, co-worker, counselor, or neighbor that can often cut through stress like nothing else.

In the end, your health and how you feel are way more important than how you look, but the fact is, chronic stress will get you from all sides eventually. Learn to manage stress better now, and you’ll be happier, healthier, and more beautiful for years to come.

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This entry was posted on Friday, August 19th, 2011 at 6:03 am and is filed under Talk About Beauty. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.