From causing anxiety and insomnia to losing hair and getting breakouts, it’s no secret stress wreaks havoc on your body, both internally and externally. Since your skin is an external organ, you can clearly see how stress affects it. And, let’s face it - no one’s life is stress-free. We’ve rounded up the easiest ways to relax and find your inner zen so your mind, body and skin can thank you. 

Prioritize Sleep

A good night’s sleep makes you able to tackle the day’s stress with more ease. When you’re tired, you’re less patient and easily agitated, which can in turn increase your stress levels. Following a regular sleep routine calms and restores the body, improves concentration, regulates mood and can even improve your mental clarity. Most adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, so if you’re having trouble falling asleep maybe try to meditate right before bed. 

Connect with Nature

The Japanese concept of Shinrin-Yoku, which literally translates to “forest bathing,” harnesses the idea of exposing oneself to nature for stress relief. The benefits of this concept can be achieved by having house plants, hiking in a forest or park or even a simple walk around the neighborhood can be highly therapeutic. 

"Stress can trigger your body to produce free radicals, which are damaging to your skin texture."

Try At-home Therapeutics

You can promote relaxation at your own home. You can take a warm bath, or foot bath and throw in Epsom Salts, you can try aromatherapy with your favorite essential oils. Or indulge in other home-spa techniques, like a DIY body scrub or a self-massage with warming oils. 

Exercise More 

Exercise helps to burn cortisol, a stress hormone, so it’s safe to say that exercising your body can definitely help reduce your stress levels. When starting an exercise routine. The most important consideration should be whether you enjoy the activity enough to actually do it on a daily, or weekly, basis. You don’t need to hit the gym or sign up for a marathon to get your daily workout in, walking around your neighborhood, using online fitness videos or dancing around your house all suffice in lowering stress.

Eat a Nutrient-rich Diet

Our bodies experience metabolic stress when lacking essential nutrients. The best way to meet our nutrient needs is with a whole food, plant-based diet, rich in vegetables and fruits, healthy fats and good protein, including fish, nuts and seeds. 

Decrease Toxins in Your Body 

Drinking less alcohol, smoking less and minimizing other toxin-building activities can decrease stress caused by the toxin burden on the body. It’s also important to know, and avoid, which toxins are in your household and personal care products. Turn to natural and clean products, like our household cleaners, to avoid having those toxins in your environment. 

Drink Calming Teas 

Many herbs are known to be beneficial for relaxation and sleep promotion. Some calming herbal teas include lavender, chamomile, and peppermint, which has a cooling effect. You can drink herbal teas before bed or even when you feel a bit stressed to soothe your mind and calm your body.

Give Yourself a Massage 

When we’re faced with a stressful situation, our fight-or-flight response gets triggered and our muscles tense up. A good rub-down often feels like the best stress reliever ever. But, when you don’t have time or money for a spa appointment, take the DIY routine. You can use your hands and a massage oil, like our Fractionated Coconut Oil, to massage your body. Or you can place two tennis balls in the sock and lay on top of them so that the balls align with the muscles between your neck and the ball-and-socket joint. Slowly rock your shoulder side to side and enjoy the calming sensation in your body. 

Hydrate! 

If you’re experiencing high levels of stress, you can become more prone to dehydration. Not only will your skin suffer the effects of stress but also dehydration, which can lead to blemishes and an uneven skin tone. Follow the 8x8 rule: drink at least eight, eight-ounce glasses of water daily, and especially in times of stress. 

Don’t Forget the Right Skincare

While you’re de-stressing from the inside out, you should combat the damaging effects stress has on your body. Stress can trigger your body to produce free radicals, which are damaging to your skin texture. But, antioxidant serums (like our Antioxidant Day Serum and our Vitamin E Oil Blend) are a great way to help combat those free radicals and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.