Does the thought of Christmas make you stressed??????
It is normally at this time of the year we are all starting to run out of puff and the added pressure of getting organised for Christmas can also put you under the pump.
Did you know that skin has the ability to reflect what a person feels inside?
For example – fear may show itself as goose bumps, anxiety as sweat, embarrassment as red, rosy cheeks. This is because the skin contains nerve endings that are in constant contact with the brain. Certain skin conditions can also be triggered or exacerbated by stress and being stressed triggers a reaction in your skin cells. For most people, this reaction takes the form of acne or an aggravated bout of rosacea and if you suffer from psoriasis, stress can trigger this condition.
Take acne for example. When you are tense, your body releases stress hormones including cortisol, which may increase the skin’s oil production, making you prone to pimples. And if you suffer from Rosacea (facial flushing and redness) then we all know stress is a commonly identified trigger for rosacea.
There are many contributing factors that can cause stress. If you are –
Over-worked
Worried
Not eating properly
Under the pump to meet deadlines
Unorganised and overwhelmed…..just to name a few….the ongoing effects of stress that lead to changes in the skin are numerous.
Stress can also lead to poor sleep and that means that the regeneration processes that occur naturally when we get a good night’s sleep often dont take place and this can eventually lead to dark circles under the eyes, duller skin, and extra lines around the forehead and mouth. The tendency to fall back on comfort habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, or eating sugary foods during stressful times is also a big contributor to unhealthy skin and acne flare-ups.
For me, I find that the more I am organized and prepared, the less stress I suffer. It is also really important for me to feel energized and positive everyday so that when I see my clients I am always friendly, focused, energised and totally in tune with what their individual needs are.
I also distress by de-cluttering. Cleaning out chaos, cleaning out cupboards, cleaning out negative thoughts and being present and mindful. Exercise also plays a big part in my daily routine and this includes jogging every morning with my husband and dog, practicing yoga, cycling and when possible, I love to get out in the water and do some stand up paddle boarding. I make the time for these practices – no excuses and this means setting my alarm for 5am. Yes, it is tough at the start but once you are up and into it you will be amazed at how good you feel.
Taking time out to relax in an age where we are trying to always cram so much in, is often easier said than done, but by being aware of it and then taking appropriate measures where needed, you can reduce your stress and reduce the effects of stress on your skin.
Sometimes the way you act when you are stressed can also impact your skin . For instance, when people feel stressed they often don’t get enough sleep, drink enough water or maintain their skin care routine. As a result, your skin’s appearance is affected.
Simple steps such as:-
Prioritising self care.
Managing your days better so that you are more organised.
Maintaining a proper and effective skin care routine daily ( What you do every day to your skin is so important – I compare it to a gym workout, going one day a week to pump weights doesn’t make you toned or cut. You need to do it on a regular basis.)
Learn to say NO and do not over-commit. Only take on a range of work, family, relationship and social commitments that you can manage.
Be organised.
De- clutter and make lists.
If you are struggling, sometimes it is important to seek help from an expert in that field. Don’t let it go on and on. If you cannot get out of that stress pattern, seek out someone who can assist you to move forward and make positive changes. Mindfulness coaching is amazing and can teach you ways to have a positive energy flow in all areas of your life.
This Month with every treatment over $250 –
you will receive a book written by Published Self help author, Intuitive coach and Motivational speaker currently working to change lives with wellness education for the mind, body & spirit – Jo Ettles.
Jo Ettles became a wellness coach ten years ago. She has assisted many people to take responsibility for their wellness, the way they think and see their future and how they ultimately live their lives.
Cairns Clear Skin will be giving every client that books a treatment over $250 –
A personally signed copy of ” The Shed – change your life by cleaning out your shed” written by Jo Ettles. This is a book for everyone who wants to make a positive, practical & real change in their life.
Liz Franz
Cairns Clear Skin