7 Natural Stress Busters

Did you know that more than half of Americans are stressed during the day? And roughly 1 in 3 people report feeling extreme amounts of stress regularly?

Yep, half of them are waving the "I'm stressed" flag, with women leading the pack. And women of color––and in particular Black women––face even greater levels of stress than their white counterparts.

And guess what? Stress doesn't just mess with your mood; it affects your health and wellbeing.

And it's your skin’s enemy too. Let's dive into what stress is, how it shows up, and how you can kick it to the curb, naturally.

The Stress-Skin Connection

Ever had one of those days? Exams, job interviews, planning an event, you name it. Stress comes in all shapes and sizes, and it doesn't play nice with our skin.

When we're stressed, our bodies go into "fight or flight" mode, pumping out stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This was super useful back in the caveman days for dodging sabertooth tigers, but in today's world? Not so much.

Our bodies can't tell the difference between an actual threat and a super long email from the boss. So, under the effect of stress hormones, our skin reacts and changes its appearance.

How Does Your Skin React Under Stress?

The result? Blood vessels tighten causing our skin to pale. We sweat more. And with continuous stress, the skin barrier becomes disrupted.

How your skin reacts under stress depends on your skin type. Dry skin tends to become more dehydrated. Oily skin tends to produce more sebum, especially in the T-zone. In fact, stress can cause inflammation, worsening acne.

And it's not just your skin that takes a hit; stress can also affect your hair and nails, too. Talk about adding insult to injury.

Okay, so now that we know the real effects stress can have on or skin, what can we do about it?

7 Natural Ways to Show Stress the Door

1. Get Moving, Even if Only for 10 Minutes.
   
   Whether it's yoga or a quick stroll, keeping active helps clear your mind. If a full workout isn't your thing or you simply don’t have time, try a 10-minute walk.
   
   Walking mindfully, especially in a green space, can work wonders for improving your overall sense of well-being.
   
   
2. Eat Well. 
   
   Skip the bad fats and load up on vitamins and antioxidants. Healthy eating is your skin's best friend, especially when under siege from stress. Check out this article for a list of antioxidant rich foods.
   
   
3. Take a Deep Breath.
   
   Never underestimate the power of deep breathing. It may not seem like much, but a few moments of mindful breathing can melt away stress faster than ice cream on a hot day.
   
   When you feel stress building, slowly breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Allow 5 seconds per inhalation and 5 seconds per exhalation. Keep repeating until you feel a sense of calm.
   
   
4. Try a Mini-Massage.
   
   There’s a powerful acupuncture point between your thumb and index finger. A little pressure here for three minutes can bring back a sense of calm.
   
   You can also warm a few drops of our Precious Radiance Oil in the palm of your hands and massage gently to undo the knots. Focus on your temples, forehead, shoulders and feet to relieve stress.
   
   
5. Turn Your Home into a Stress-Free Sanctuary.
   
   Keep your living space as clear and tidy as possible. Research has shown that clutter can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
   
   Add some scented candles or essential oils of your favorite scent for an instant mood boost. Lemon is a known mood lifter and lavender is great for relaxation.
    
6. Create a Moment of Gratitude. 
   
   According to the CDC, “gratitude may be the best-kept secret to help reduce stress and feel better. Practicing gratitude every day can improve your physical and emotional well-being.”
    
7. Give Your Skin Some TLC with Organic and Natural Products.
   
   Whether you have oily or dry skin, the right natural skincare products can help rebalance and rejuvenate stressed-out skin.
   
   To combat dryness, excess sebum, and imbalance of the skin barrier due to stress, it is important to sufficiently hydrate your skin and keep it balanced.
   
   If you have oily to combination skin, apply a few drops of the Nutritive Oil to your skin to help keep your sebum balanced, which helps minimize breakouts.
   
   If you have normal to dry skin, apply the Organic Comforting Cream. Powered by Yellow Banana, Mango Butter and Hyaluronic Acid, and will hydrate and moisturize your skin barrier to keep it healthy.
   
   

Stay Mindful To Keep Stress At Bay

Remember, the more stressed you are, the more stress will have a detrimental effect on the state of your mind and your skin.

Incorporating these tips into your daily routines can help your overall well-being as well as your complexion.