The Comparison Between Stress and Your Skin

The Comparison Between Stress and Your Skin

Stress is unavoidable and comes in several forms. To a homeward bound motorist it could be the hassles of heavy traffic and noxious exhaust fumes. To a student it could be the pressure of studying for exams and to a working individual it could be the pressure associated with meeting work related deadlines. Bad relationships are also stressful.

The negative effects of stress not only attacks immune function and all body organs but in several cases, adversely affects the skin. While dermatologists are still debating whether stress actually causes skin disorders, they seem to agree that stress definitely trigger or aggravates skin conditions such as acne hives, eczema, psoriasis, Cesaro, warts, cold sores and blisters.

The adverse impact of stress on immune function also affects skin as the skin is the largest organ which is directly connected to physiological function. Even if stress does not actually show up on your skin as one of the above conditions, it contributes greatly to an increased population of free radicals in the body, which in turn, is known to be a major cause lead to repeated negative facial expressions and the contractions can eventually become permanent frown lines and wrinkles.

The "fight-or-flight" mechanism is the body's built-in way of responding to stress. In times of "fight-or-flight," the flow of blood and nutrients is directed to the areas of the body considered vital for survival and is withdraw from areas considered non-essential, such as the skin.

When this response is frequent, the skin is consistently starved of both blood flow and oxygen and toxic waste removal becomes sluggish. This makes it dull, lifeless, less hydrate and more prone to clogged congested pores and breakouts.

Stress also undermines digestion. Poor digestion is known to adversely affect skin and overall health in two ways. First of all, your body does not absorb all the nutrients from the foods you eat and secondly, undigested impurities tend to accumulate in the body faster that the body can get expel them. This toxic build up finds it's way into the blood stream and may show up as breakouts, blemishes and skin rashes.

Stress may also lead to comfort eating which may lead to weight gain and blemished skin especially when processed foods and those with a high glycaemic index are consumed excessively. It may also encourage poor lifestyle choices such as smoking and the excessive consumption of alcohol that age the skin prematurely.

The appearance of your skin is a reflection of all that goes on in the mind and body. It is very important to manage stress as it is an unavoidable part of living. A well balanced diet, regular exercise and message therapy all help keep the body in balance.

Food Intake To Combat Stress

Food Intake To Combat Stress

Are you stressed out? Are you running on empty? Do you skip meals simply because you never seem to have enough hours in the day to sit down and refuel? If you've answered yes to all three questions, the chances are you're already trapped in a vicious circle of unremitting stress. You may also be relying upon a diet that lacks the types of foods that can actually reduce your stress levels.

The fact of the matter is that certain foods can boost the immune system and act as great stress-boosters. And the good news is that simply increasing one's intake of such food items can have a marked effect on how we cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life.

So, which foods have the thumbs up as stress-busters? Opt for foods containing:

Polyunsaturated Fats (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)

Foods containing polyunsaturated fats help reduce the risk of heart disease, a condition associated with stress. Oily fish, such as mackerel and tuna, are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Pantothenic Acid (B5), often dubbed the "anti-stress" vitamin can be found in a wide range of food items including beef, pork, liver, kidneys, fish, fresh vegetables, nuts, whole wheat and rye flour and brewer's yeast. Dandelion leaves are also a good source of Pantothenic Acid!

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C, arguably the single most important anti-stress nutrient, is vital for boosting the immune system. Now, stress is known to deplete the body of this essential vitamin. Fresh fruits, vegetables, (particularly broccoli and new potatoes, cooked in their skins) and fresh herbs are all high in Vitamin C.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for nerve transmission as well as the proper functioning of the heart. And, apart from its various other functions, such as helping the body absorb iron and magnesium, more effectively, calcium has also been shown to aid relaxation and to reduce tension in the body. Good sources of calcium include milk, cheese and yoghurt.

Magnesium

Magnesium acts as a natural tranquilliser. This important mineral can be found in meats, cereals, dairy products, shell fish such as shrimps, fruits, vegetables (particularly spinach and pumpkin), nuts including almonds and cashews, soy beans and, would you believe it, even in chocolate!

Potassium

Potassium is important for the physiological functions of the body that affect stress levels. Foods high in potassium include meats, vegetables, fruits, cereals and milk.

Zinc

Another essential mineral that can help reduce tension in the body, zinc can be found in a number of food items such as beef, chicken, sardines and oysters.

Iron

Iron plays a vital role in the functioning of the nerves and muscles, which, in turn, have a direct impact on how the body copes with stress. Sources of iron include red meats, fish, poultry, cereals, green leaf vegetables, wholemeal bread and egg yolk.

And finally, what to drink (and what not to drink) in order to De-stress.

The irony is that when we're stressed, tired, and tensions are running high, we tend to over-indulge in alcohol and caffeine which, as we all know, only serves to crank up our stress levels! We'd be better off substituting that extra cup of caffeine-laden tea or coffee with natural fruit or vegetable juices, or even a soothing banana "smoothie" or a glass of calcium-fortified soya milk. Herbal teas, such as camomile or dandelion can have an immediate calming effect, in times of stress. And, there's no harm in a glass or two of wine (preferably red and organically produced) provided, of course, that we imbibe in moderation.

Easy Methods To Prevent Stress at Work

Easy Methods To Prevent Stress at Work

This troubled economy has everyone feeling off balance. Layoffs, and budget cuts, have resulted in increased fear and uncertainty regarding job security. So you have the fear of layoff, increased demands, increased overtime due to staff reductions, and pressure to perform to meet rising expectations. This all leads to increased stress and anxiety. All Yoga and Meditation to help you become centered and focused on the present, instead of focused on all of the stressful distractions that surround you.

While some stress is normal and actually desirable, excessive stress tends to wear you out both mentally, emotionally and physically, leading to reduced productivity and health.

First off, don't try to ignore or run away from stress and anxiety. The tendency we all have is
1) to ignore the problem and hope it will somehow go away on it's own, or
2) to run away from the problem, in the hope that we will never have to deal with it. I can assure you that neither of these methods works. Neither of these methods will provide any form of lasting solution, and in fact will certainly make things much worse.

So then, what are you to do?

Take responsibility for your physical health and emotional well being.

Learn better communication skills with co-workers, management and employers to improve relationships and avoid potential confrontations and problems.

Avoid the common pitfalls of making snap judgments, overreacting and losing your temper.

Start by taking care of yourself! Get moving with some form of cardiovascular aerobic exercise about 30 minutes a day will do. This will effectively improve your mood, energy levels, focus and concentration.

Watch what you eat! Make better food choices. Reduce crabs, Eat smaller servings but more frequently. This will even out your blood sugar levels during the day resulting in less stress and irritability.

Reduce alcohol consumption and stay away from nicotine all together. Alcohol is a depressant and nicotine is a stimulant. While both of these may seem to initially reduce stress and provide a sense of calm, the sensation is only temporary. The end result is actually increased levels of stress and anxiety once the drug starts to wear off.

Get more sleep. A lack of sleep will leave you vulnerable to the negative effects of stress.

Use time proven stress reduction techniques. Yoga and meditation provide amazing time proven ways to reduce levels of stress and anxiety.