After focusing exclusively on physical health factors for decades, scientists are finally acknowledging the serious impact stress can have not only on your lifestyle but also on your health and looks. Here are just 4 of the many ways reducing the stress in your life can help you feel and look better.
Lose weight. By now, you’ve probably heard of the phenomenon of stress-eating. The truth of the matter is that when we’re under stress, we usually don’t make good choices about what enters our body. The result is skipping meals, binging at others, and generally not paying attention to the quality of the food we put in our bodies. This year, take some extra time to destress and you’ll notice that your eating habits will likely improve in kind.
Look younger. It’s a well-known fact that stress can prematurely age your body. Chronic stress ages your cells, your brain, and every other part of your body too. Make an effort to remove stress from your life, and you’ll immediately slow down the aging process (and maybe even reverse it).
Have better skin. Stress, and the sleeplessness that tends to come with it, has a detrimental effect on one’s complexion and causes premature wrinkles. From puffiness and bags under the eyes to acne or other skin problems, so many of them are rooted or at least exacerbated by stress. But getting around stress and figuring out how to relax more can reverse some of these effects.
Grow thicker hair. Stress makes your hair fall out faster, and prevents new hair from growing in to replace it. If you’re having issues with thin hair, split ends, or other hair problems, try addressing the stress in your life in addition to other remedies. You may be surprised by the results you find.
So how can you cut out the stress from your life? First, set yourself up for success by getting a full 8 hours of sleep, drinking plenty of water, and trying to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Next, think about the biggest stressors in your life, and make a plan for how you can avoid them. Some of them may be easier to change than others, so you may have to plan carefully to make a big change, such as changing your job or moving somewhere new. For the moment, try to find some time every day for a few minutes to sit quietly and meditate on what you’re thankful for in your life.
Have a success story about cutting stress out of your life? We want to hear about it? Get in touch with us!