Nature and Beauty Meet Big Hearts — how to relieve stress

Stress can do a number on your skin, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's break down how stress affects your skin and what you can do about it.

1. Stress Ages Your Skin Faster

When you're stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol can make your skin age faster. It causes inflammation, which breaks down things like collagen and elastin. These are your skin's natural tighteners. Without them, your skin sags and wrinkles appear.

How to fight it: Try relaxing activities like yoga or meditation. They can help reduce cortisol levels and keep your skin looking youthful.

2. Stress Can Make You Break Out

Stress also cranks up the oil production in your skin. This extra oil, mixed with dead skin cells, is a recipe for acne. Stress hormones, called androgens, are to blame.

How to fight it: Use skincare products that are gentle and full of good stuff like antioxidants. These can help prevent breakouts.

3. Skin Conditions May Flare Up

If you have skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, stress can make them worse. Stress weakens your skin's defenses. It becomes more likely to get irritated and react. This leads to redness, itching, and discomfort.

How to fight it: Prioritize self-care. Use gentle, hydrating products for sensitive skin. And try relaxation techniques to keep stress in check.

4. Stress Steals Your Beauty Sleep

Stress can mess with your sleep, and that means puffiness and dark circles under your eyes. Lack of sleep causes fluid to build up, especially around your eyes.

How to fight it: Get into a relaxing bedtime routine. Make sure your skin stays hydrated with a good night cream and eye cream.

Stress might try to dim your radiant beauty, but you've got the upper hand. With relaxation, a good skincare routine, and a little self-love, your skin can stay radiant and strong. Remember, your skin reflects how you feel inside. So embrace each day with positivity and grace, and your skin will thank you for it.

We live in a very stressful world that can be toxic for our mind, body, and even skin. As a result we are less focused and burned out. As we enter the Spring season and embrace renewal, I urge you to commit yourself to recognizing when you need a mental break. Here are 3 simple ways to manage stress and relax. 

Breathing:  You may be unknowingly holding tension in your chest. Stress shows up differently in everyone. Never underestimate the power of proper breathing. Breathing techniques are one of the easiest and most powerful ways to relieve stress. Harness the power of deliberate breathing, including deep breaths, and slow inhales / exhales to help you feel calm and in control. 



Relaxing Playlist: Music is healing to the soul and it can shape our moods and thought processes. Music can promote relaxation of tense muscles when coupled with relaxing exercises like yoga. Music is a simple and fun way to promote spiritual healing. It is also great for meditating or getting into a spirit of worship. 

Take a Walk: When things get to be overwhelming for me I like to go for walks out in fresh air. Any sort of movement like short walks or jogs are natural stress relievers. Sometimes you have to force yourself to get out of the office and get moving. Walking also promotes blood flow to your brain and it can reset your mind and thought processes. While walking you can also practice the breathing techniques we discussed earlier. 

What are some techniques you use to relieve stress?